Black firing, also known as reduction firing, is a traditional pottery technique that dates back thousands of years and is still practiced in various indigenous cultures today. Unlike modern kilns that use oxygen-rich environments, black firing involves firing ceramics in a low-oxygen (reductive) atmosphere, often by burying pots in sawdust, manure, or firewood. The result?…
Behind every beautiful ceramic piece lies a carefully chosen clay body—a tailored blend of materials that determines everything from texture and strength to color and firing temperature. Whether you’re creating delicate porcelain teacups or rugged stoneware mugs, understanding the properties of earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain is essential to both the function and artistry of your…
Porcelain has long been synonymous with elegance and durability, but few realize just how scientifically sophisticated this material truly is. Originating in ancient China over 1,000 years ago, porcelain is made from a precise mix of kaolin clay, feldspar, and quartz—materials that, when fired at extremely high temperatures (typically above 1,200°C), vitrify into a glass-like…
Bernard Leach is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of pottery, particularly in the British ceramics tradition. Born in 1887 in Hong Kong and raised in England, Leach became a pivotal figure in the development of studio pottery. His career spanned several decades, and his contributions helped elevate pottery…
Originating in 16th-century Japan, Raku pottery is a distinctive ceramic art form deeply rooted in the Zen philosophy of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection and transience. Developed by potter Chōjirō under the patronage of tea master Sen no Rikyū, Raku ware was initially crafted for tea ceremonies, emphasizing simplicity and naturalness. The term “Raku”…
