Pottery
Pottery is a creative and functional art form that involves shaping and firing clay to produce a variety of objects, such as pots, bowls, and decorative items. Its origins can be traced back over 10,000 years, with significant advancements in techniques occurring in various cultures globally. The initial discovery of heat curing clay was made around 8000 BCE, which led to the development of more sophisticated practices, including the use of potter's wheels and stone ovens by 3000 BCE.
In ancient China, potters began experimenting with glazes around 1500 BCE, which enhanced the aesthetics and durability of pottery. The art of pottery evolved through distinct cultural expressions, such as Greek pottery featuring intricate designs that provide insights into ancient civilization. The introduction of porcelain in China during the Han Dynasty marked a significant advancement, influencing European pottery practices centuries later.
Although pottery's popularity diminished with the rise of industrial mass production, it has seen a resurgence as a hobby and craft in recent decades, supported by modern kiln technology. Contemporary trends include techniques like chemical and acid etching to create unique designs. Pottery remains a vibrant avenue for artistic expression, with many amateur potters finding success in both selling their works and teaching pottery techniques.
Pottery
History
Pottery is an art form that involves constructing and heat curing clay objects. Pottery was one of the earliest human technologies, and remains a thriving industry and a popular hobby today.
Archaeologists have uncovered pottery from the Middle East dating back more than 10,000 years. By 8000 BCE, the process of using heat to cure clay had been discovered, utilizing subterranean pits and wood fires.
By 3000 BCE, potters in the Middle East and Asia were using stone ovens to raise the temperature during the heat curing process. It had been discovered that clay cooked at higher temperatures becomes less porous and therefore water-resistant. At the same time, ancient potters were also using crude potter's wheels to produce clay pots, bowls and urns.
Potters in China began experimenting with glazes, substances applied to the inner and outer surfaces of pottery before heat curing, around 1500 BCE. Between 900 and 100 BCE, the glazing process was widely used by potters in China, Korea, Mesopotamia and Egypt.
Greek pottery developed into a unique art form during the fifth century BCE. Glazed pottery appeared in Greece around the first century BCE. Greek artisans created pottery with elaborate paintings and decorations, which have helped archaeologists to learn more about the culture and mythology of ancient Greece.
Chinese artisans pioneered the use of hybrid clays. During the Han Dynasty (206-220 BCE), the Chinese began produced porcelain using decomposed feldspar mixed with fine granite clay. The Chinese techniques for molding and heat curing porcelain were exported to Europe.
During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE), Chinese pottery techniques reached their zenith, with thousands of artisan potters creating elaborately-decorated artwork. Tang pottery was exported to Spain, Turkey, Lebanon, Japan and Korea, where it inspired a new generation of potters.
Japanese artisans began to develop a characteristic style during the thirteenth century CE, when pottery was integrated into social rituals. Japanese raku pottery, used in the construction of tea pots for social ceremonies, has remained a part of traditional Japanese culture in modern times.
In the fourteenth century, European craftsmen began to experiment with combinations of clay and metal and produced majolica, pottery with a tin glaze. Tin-glazed pottery spread throughout Europe and became a major export for Italy and Spain.
Interest in pottery waned following the Industrial Revolution, but artisans remained active in countries around the world. The introduction of mass-produced glass bowls and affordable plastics reduced the demand for pottery in industrialized nations.
Gas and electric kiln ovens were developed in the twentieth century, making it possible to cure pottery without the use of large fires or expensive coal fuel. The development of smaller kilns allowed individuals and small institutions to set up private pottery workshops, and pottery's popularity grew among semi-skilled craftspeople and hobbyists.
Trends
Chemical and acid etching is the process of using corrosive liquids to dissolve designs into the surface of glazed pottery, and has become popular among modern potters. Using acids of different concentrations, artists have learned to create unique decorative patterns. Because corrosive liquids can be dangerous, acid etching is best learned from a professional.
Trends in styles of pots and methods of decoration often change from year to year. For example, pottery trends in 2018 included carving designs into pots and painting pots with marbled designs that look like liquid.
Pottery for Fun vs. Profit
Many amateur potters sell their crafts at art shows and galleries. Quality earthenware, stoneware and porcelain products can retail for hundreds of dollars, making pottery a lucrative activity when compared to the cost of materials.
Alternatively, potters may consider using their experience to teach pottery techniques at local art centers or educational institutions. Some educational organizations and universities may also hire experienced amateurs as workshop assistants.
Learning More
Books
Complete Ceramics: Easy Techniques and Over 20 Great Projects. Collins & Brown, 2016.
Cooper, Emmanuel. Ten Thousand Years of Pottery. University of Pennsylvania Press, 2000.
Young, Alistair. Setting Up a Pottery Workshop. A&C Black, 1999.
Birks, Tony. The Complete Potter's Companion. Bulfinch Press, 1998.