Pottery and Ceramics - A Brief Explanation (2024)

Pottery and Ceramics - A Brief Explanation (1)

We often get asked what the difference is between earthenware, stoneware & porcelain, or ceramic & pottery.

This blog post is our introduction and basic explanation of these commonly used terms.

Pottery and ceramics are one and the same.

The word ceramic derives from Greek which translates as "of pottery" or "for pottery".

Both pottery and ceramic are general terms that describe objects which have been formed with clay, hardened by firing and decorated or glazed.

Clay is a natural material created by weathered rock. It is soft, malleable and will permanently harden if baked at high temperatures, making it a practical material for making tableware.

Pottery and Ceramics - A Brief Explanation (2)

There are three main types of pottery/ceramic. These are earthenware, stoneware and porcelain.

Earthenware

Earthenware is clay fired at relatively low temperatures of between 1,000 to 1,150 degrees. This results in a hardened but brittle material which is slightly porous (small holes through which liquid or air can go through), therefore can not be used to contain water.

To remedy this, a glaze is used to cover the object before it is fired in the kiln for a second time and rendered waterproof.

Stoneware

Stoneware is made from a particular clay which is fired at a higher temperature of 1,200°C. This results in a more durable material, with a denser, stone-like quality. The finished product will be waterproof and unlike earthenware, does not need to be glazed.

Pottery and Ceramics - A Brief Explanation (3)

Above: Examples of our stoneware

Porcelain

Porcelain comes from a refined clay which is fired at very high temperatures of approximately 1,200–1,450°C.The result is an extremely hard, shiny material often white and translucent in appearance.

The earliest forms of porcelain originated in China around 1600BC and this association popularisedthe term 'fine china’, or bone china when the porcelain has had ground animal bone added to the clay, in order to create an even more durable material.

Summary

The main points of comparison between Earthenware, Stoneware and Porcelain, will be the temperature at which the clay is fired and the resulting strength, water resistance and durability of the finished products.

The quality of the products will be dependant of the quality and purity of the clay that is used to create them, but as a general rule, Stoneware and Porcelain will be the two more durable forms of ceramic, which are commonly usedas tableware at home.

View our collection of handmade stoneware.

Pottery and Ceramics - A Brief Explanation (2024)

FAQs

Pottery and Ceramics - A Brief Explanation? ›

Pottery is usually made by hand or on a potter's wheel. It is clay, formed into a shape and then heated at a high temperature to harden. Ceramics can also be made from clay, but can also be made of other materials such as silica, glazes

glazes
Ceramic glaze, or simply glaze, is a glassy coating on ceramics. It is used for decoration, to ensure the item is impermeable to liquids and to minimise the adherence of pollutants. Glazing renders earthenware impermeable to water, sealing the inherent porosity of earthenware. It also gives a tougher surface.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Ceramic_glaze
and other non metal substances.

What is the meaning of pottery and ceramics? ›

The word ceramic derives from Greek which translates as "of pottery" or "for pottery". Both pottery and ceramic are general terms that describe objects which have been formed with clay, hardened by firing and decorated or glazed. Clay is a natural material created by weathered rock.

What is the brief description of ceramics? ›

A ceramic is a material that is neither metallic nor organic. It may be crystalline, glassy or both crystalline and glassy. Ceramics are typically hard and chemically non-reactive and can be formed or densified with heat.

How do you explain pottery? ›

Pottery is the process and the products of forming vessels and other objects with clay and other ceramic materials, which are fired at high temperatures to give them a hard, durable form. Major types include earthenware, stoneware and porcelain.

What is the summary of ceramics? ›

A ceramic is an inorganic non-metallic solid made up of either metal or non-metal compounds that have been shaped and then hardened by heating to high temperatures. In general, they are hard, corrosion-resistant and brittle.

What is an example of ceramics and pottery? ›

However, by definition, ceramic refers to a material that is non-metallic and inorganic in nature. Pottery, on the other hand, is simply a category of functional containers made of clay. Vessels like coffee mugs, vases, or cereal bowls are classified as ceramic pottery. Pottery can also serve artistic purposes.

What are the main 3 techniques used in ceramics? ›

There are three main methods for working with clay, as Katie Mudd explains. A ceramicist can use wheel throwing (which is the primary technique Katie uses to create her pieces), hand building, and slipcasting.

What is ceramics in your own words? ›

A ceramic is any of the various hard, brittle, heat-resistant, and corrosion-resistant materials made by shaping and then firing an inorganic, nonmetallic material, such as clay, at a high temperature. Common examples are earthenware, porcelain, and brick.

What was the purpose of ceramics? ›

In the pre-Islamic period, most luxury vessels were made of precious metals, including gold and silver, while ceramic wares were largely used for utilitarian purposes such as storing water and food, transporting goods, and cooking.

What are the two main types of ceramics? ›

Each type has different characteristics and functions.
  • Structural ceramics have strong chemical bonding that can endure stress, heat, and corrosion. ...
  • Refractory ceramics can withstand high temperatures, oxidation, and corrosion. ...
  • Electrical ceramics are useful because of their electrical properties.

What are the three main types of pottery? ›

There are three commonly accepted types of pottery, including earthenware, porcelain and stoneware.

What is one sentence about pottery? ›

Examples of pottery in a Sentence

He has collected pottery for years. She was a painter for years before she discovered pottery.

What makes pottery special? ›

Ceramic is manufactured with natural materials; it comes from the earth. And due to its natural origin, it is totally recyclable. Ceramics are not burnt or melted and, therefore, they do not emit toxic gases to the environment or your health.

What is the difference between ceramics and pottery? ›

In summary - what is the difference between pottery and ceramics? Technically, pottery is a form of ceramics, but ceramics covers a much broader spectrum. Pottery is very much dedicated to the making of one specific ceramic type and using one specific ceramic material, namely pots and clay.

What is the best definition of ceramics? ›

ce·​ram·​ic sə-ˈra-mik. especially British kə- : of or relating to the manufacture of any product (such as earthenware, porcelain, or brick) made essentially from a nonmetallic mineral (such as clay) by firing at a high temperature. also : of or relating to such a product. ceramic.

What are the three basic components of ceramics? ›

Traditional ceramics are comprised of three basic components - clay, silica (quartz), and feldspar. Clay is one of the most common ceramic raw materials. It is used widely because it is found in great quantities naturally and it is easily formed.

What is the other meaning of pottery? ›

articles made of baked clay we picked up some ceramic vases in a pottery store. ceramics. earthenware. stoneware. porcelain.

What is the symbolism of ceramics? ›

As we have seen, ceramics have been used for centuries to symbolize everything from birth and death to purity and transformation. Today, ceramics are being re-imagined to add vibrancy to traditional and non-traditional practices.

What is considered pottery? ›

Pottery is generally considered to be any container made of clay. Ceramics are made from clay and glaze that are permanently changed when heated. Porcelain is a strong, vitreous, translucent ceramic material that is bisque-fired at a low temperature, then glazed and fired again at a very high temperature.

What is the Chinese meaning pottery? ›

陶瓷製造(術),陶藝 B2. objects that are made out of clay by hand. 陶器,陶瓷器皿 They sell pottery and other handmade goods.

References

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