Ceramics Final Exam Vocabulary

BISQUE

Unglazed clay, fired once at a low temperature.

BISQUE FIRING

The process of firing unglazed clay to a low temperature to harden the clay and drive the physical water from it. The approximate temperature of this firing is 1815 F.

BONE DRY

Refers to clay which is ready to be fired. All the moisture is gone from the clay. Clay is VERY FRAGILE at this stage.

CERAMICS

The art of making things out of clay. Clay is an ancient tradition.

CLAY

A decomposed granite-type rock. To be classified as clay the decomposed rock must have fine particles so that it will be plastic. Clays contain impurities which affect color and firing temperatures.

FIRE

To bake in a kiln. Firing is a term used for 'cooking' the clay.

GLAZE

A glassy coating that has been melted onto a ceramic surface. It is used to decorate the piece and to seal the clay surfaces.

GLAZE FIRING

Typically the second firing of a piece pottery which has been coated with glass forming materials.

GLOSS

A shiny surface.

HANDBUILDING

One of the oldest craft techniques in which objects are constructed entirely by hand.

KILN

Enclosed containers of various sizes built of refractor brick and heated by electricity, gas, oil, or wood to temperatures from 1500 F. to 2340 F. in which ceramic ware is fired.

LEATHER HARD

Refers to clay that is dry enough but still damp enough to be joined to other pieces or carved without distortion. Clay at this state resembles leather.

PLASTICITY

Quality of clay that allows it to be manipulated and still maintain its shape without cracking or sagging.

POTS

Have a function (use) like a bowl that is used to store objects.

POTTERY

Pottery was one of the first art forms explored by mankind. There are many extinct cultures throughout the world who did not leave behind any written record of their existence.

PRESS MOLD

A form which clay is compressed into, resulting in a repeatable shape or texture. These are usually made of plaster.

RAWWARE

Unfired clay.

SCORING

Roughing up of the surface of clay for joining.

SLAB

Clay which has been made flat by rolling.

SLAB CONSTRUCTION

Handbuilding technique in which flat pieces of clay are joined.

SLIP

A liquid form of clay used as a glue or as decoration.

SLUMP MOLD

A form which is used to support wet clay in the early stages of construction. They are typically made of plaster.

STONEWARE

A type of clay which is usually brownish or grey in color. It is good for handbuilding and throwing because of its high plasticity.

WEDGING

Method of kneading clay to make it homogenous; ridding the clay of all air pockets.

SGRAFFITO

A ceramic decoration technique that involves scratching through a colored layer to reveal a contrasting color underneath.