Ceramics and Pottery Flashcards
What is the oldest example of ceramics?
The Venus figurine from the Czech Republic ~ 26 000ya. made of burned clay.
When did ceramics generally begin appearing?
~12 000 ya.
What are the steps of clay preparation?
Clay is dried, decanted (mixed with water), and wedged (mixed with temper).
What is the difference between a primary and secondary clay?
Primary clays are found at the source of the clay, secondary clays are found deposited away from the source.
Why is water used in ceramics?
To make the clay more workable and prevent the vessel from drying out before it is ready.
What is temper?
Material such as sand, ground shells, etc. to make the vessel stronger. Can be fine, intermediate, or coarse.
What are some methods of ceramic formation?
Pinching, coiling, modelling, moulds, and wheel-thrown.
What are the stages of firing?
Dehydration (600 C), oxidation (900 C), and vitrification (>1000 C).
What is the difference between pottery and ceramics?
Pottery is fired at low temperatures.
What are the four types of ceramics?
Terracotta, earthenwares, stonewares, and porcelain.
What temperature is terracotta fired at?
<900 C
What temperature are earthenwares fired at?
900-1200 C
What temperature are stonewares fired at?
1200-1350 C
What temperature is porcelain fired at?
> 1350 C
Name some decorative techniques.
Brushing, striating, impressing, stamping, roulletting, punctuating, and perforating.
