The Main Types of Clay
Photo: Oshin Khandelwal / Unsplash
Potters work with three broad families of clay, each with its own character. Earthenware is soft, warm and fired at lower temperatures; stoneware is dense, durable and fired hot; porcelain is the finest and most demanding of all. Choosing between them is the first decision in any piece.
The choice affects how the clay handles on the wheel, what temperature it must be fired to, how strong the finished piece will be, and even its colour — from rich red-browns to pale, near-white. A maker learns the personality of each body through their hands.
Most of our everyday tableware is stoneware, prized for being tough enough for daily use and safe in the dishwasher. Understanding the material is where real craftsmanship begins.
