Ceramics and Glass

What are ceramics made from?

Ceramics are made from naturally occurring raw materials such as clay minerals and quartz sand, shaped and hardened by firing at high temperatures.

What are the key properties of ceramics?

Ceramics are hard, brittle, oxidation resistant, wear-resistant, thermal and electrical insulating, refractory, nonmagnetic, chemically stable, and prone to thermal shock.

What is the significance of primitive ceramics?

Primitive ceramics were fashioned vessels made of hardened earth used for storage of grain and water.

How were Egyptian ceramics used?

Egyptian ceramics were used in ritual rites related to burial ceremonies.

What types of items were commonly made in Greek ceramics?

Greek ceramics included drinking cups, bowls, wine jugs, water jugs, oil flasks, storage jars, and wine containers.

What characterized Italian ceramics?

Italian ceramics were mostly utilitarian in nature and influenced by Moorish Majolica wares.

What is a defining feature of Dutch ceramics?

Dutch ceramics are known for their blue and white decorations depicting Dutch scenes such as windmills and fishing boats.

What is the connection between French ceramics and royalty?

French ceramics had a close and continued alliance with religious events and royal houses.

What is unique about German ceramics?

German ceramics are known for being salt-glazed, which creates a glossy layer on the pot's surface.

What are the characteristics of Spanish ceramics?

Spanish ceramics are composed of heavy earthenware usually decorated with crude patterns in green, blue, yellow, white, and lusterware.

What was the significance of the Bow Factory in English ceramics?

The Bow Factory marked the beginning of mass production in English ceramics.

How did American ceramics reflect cultural identity?

American ceramics featured symbols and designs that signified belonging to specific tribes or families, used in everyday life and sacred ceremonies.

What is porcelain and how is it made?

Porcelain is a high-quality ceramic made of kaolin, fired at temperatures of 1,200°-1,400°C, resulting in a white, fine-grained, usually translucent body.

What is the greenware state in ceramics?

The greenware state is when the ceramic ware is formed but has not yet undergone firing.

What does the biscuit state (bisque) refer to?

The biscuit state refers to ceramics that have undergone preliminary low-range firing, meaning they are 'half-baked'.

What is the purpose of glazing in ceramics?

Glazing makes ceramic wares sanitary after the ware has been covered with glaze and has undergone a second firing.

What is slip in ceramics?

Slip is a liquid clay mixture applied before firing.

What does incised decoration involve?

Incised decoration is made by scratching, cutting, or carving lines into clay at various depths.

What is sgraffito in ceramics?

Sgraffito is produced by applying layers of color and then scratching off parts to create contrasting images and patterns.

What is the process of decalcomania in ornamentation?

Decalcomania is the process of transferring designs from prepared paper onto glass or porcelain.

What is the history of Egyptian glass?

Egyptian glass includes the earliest known glass beads made during the New Kingdom around 1500 BC, produced in various colors.

How was Mesopotamian glass made?

Mesopotamian glass was made by molding a mud or sand core into the shape of a vessel, decorated with threads of colored glass.

What is notable about Venetian glass?

Venetian glass, produced on Murano island, is renowned for being colorful, elaborate, and skillfully made.

What advancements occurred in German glass during the 16th and 17th centuries?

The development of new glass formulas in Germany and the Netherlands weakened Italy's supremacy in glass production.

What movements influenced French glass design?

French glass design was influenced by the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements.

What is the significance of American glass in terms of design?

American glass featured Nouveau shapes and decorations, including notable examples like Stiegel glass and Tiffany glass.

What is the characteristic of Chinese glass?

Chinese glass is known for its unique Peking glass.