Pottery is an ancient art form that is still popular today. There are many different types of pottery, and the type of pottery that you choose to create will depend on the material that you use. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of materials used in pottery, and we will provide some tips for choosing the right material for your project.
There are two main types of pottery:
- Functional Pottery
Functional pottery is pottery that is designed to be used for a specific purpose. Common examples include dishes, vases, and planters. While some pottery is purely decorative, functional pottery is designed with utility in mind. This means that it is often sturdier and more durable than non-functional pottery. In addition, functional pottery typically has a more simple design, as intricate details can make it difficult to use. Functional pottery can be used for both decorative and practical purposes. For example, a vase can be used to hold flowers or a utensil holder can be used to store pottery supplies. Whether you are looking for a utilitarian piece or a beautiful decoration, functional pottery can offer the perfect solution.
- Sculptural Pottery
Sculptural pottery is created for the sole purpose of being art. The material that you use will determine the type of pottery that you create.
When one thinks of pottery, they may think of practical kitchenware or perhaps vases for flowers. It is true that pottery can serve a functional purpose. But there is also pottery that is purely for art’s sake. This type of pottery is called sculptural pottery. The potteries that create this type of pottery use the same pottery tool supplies as those that make functional pottery.
However, their goal is to create a piece that is beautiful or thought-provoking, rather than useful. Sculptural pottery can take many forms, from abstract shapes to lifelike figures. Whatever the form, these pieces are meant to be admired and enjoyed, not used.
The most common type of pottery is earthenware. Earthenware is made from clay that has been fired in a kiln. Earthenware is strong and durable, and it can be glazed or unglazed. Glazed earthenware is waterproof and can be used for functional purposes, such as serving food or holding plants. Unglazed earthenware is porous and should only be used for decorative purposes.
Stoneware is another type of pottery that is made from clay. Stoneware is fired at a higher temperature than earthenware, which makes it stronger and more durable. Stoneware can also be glazed or unglazed. Glazed stoneware is waterproof and can be used for functional purposes, such as serving food or holding plants. Unglazed stoneware is porous and should only be used for decorative purposes.
Porcelain is a type of pottery that is made from kaolin clay. Porcelain is fired at a very high temperature, which makes it strong and durable. Porcelain is typically glazed, but it can also be left unglazed. Glazed porcelain is waterproof and can be used for functional purposes, such as serving food or holding plants. Unglazed porcelain is porous and should only be used for decorative purposes.
Raku pottery is a type of pottery that is made from Raku clay. Raku pottery is fired at a very high temperature, and it is then removed from the kiln and cooled in water. Raku pottery is usually left unglazed, but it can also be glazed. Unglazed Raku pottery is porous and should only be used for decorative purposes.