Pottery Quiz Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the definition of clay?

A decomposed granite-type rock of fine particle size (correct)

A type of plastic

A colorant used in pottery

A high-temperature clay body

What material does the term 'ceramics' originally refer to?

A water-based slip

A glazing technique

A type of clay body

Any material prepared with the use of fire (correct)

What does plasticity refer to in pottery?

The ability of clay to stretch without cracking and hold a shape.

What is a clay body?

Various clays mixed together to form a workable clay. Signup and view all the answers

What temperature range is considered low for earthenware?

1800-2000 F. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes stoneware from other clay types?

It is a high-temperature clay body that is very dense and hard when fired. Signup and view all the answers

What is porcelain?

A very high-temperature clay body composed of only white clays. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'leather hard' mean in pottery?

Stiff but not dry; no visible change in clay color. Signup and view all the answers

What is greenware?

Clay work that is dry but not fired. Signup and view all the answers

What is bisqueware?

Clay work that has gone through the first firing and is ready to be glazed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of firing in pottery?

The process of heating clay to make it hard and to melt glaze. Signup and view all the answers

What type of oven is used to fire clay?

Kiln. Signup and view all the answers

What is wedging in pottery?

The action of kneading and slapping the clay to push out air bubbles. Signup and view all the answers

What does throwing refer to in pottery?

Making clay forms on a potter's wheel. Signup and view all the answers

What is slip in pottery?

Clay mixed with water to a thick, paint-like consistency. Signup and view all the answers

What does scoring mean in pottery?

Roughing the edges of pieces of clay that are going to be attached to each other. Signup and view all the answers

What is sgraffito?

Carving into leather-hard clay to make linear designs. Signup and view all the answers

What is glaze in pottery?

A thin, glassy coating put on clay to waterproof and decorate the surface. Signup and view all the answers

What is an oxide in pottery?

A colorant used to add color to glazes and slips. Signup and view all the answers

What is majolica?

Earthenware with thick white glaze and oxide decoration. Signup and view all the answers

What is engobe?

A specially prepared slip used to decorate damp greenware. Signup and view all the answers

What is underglaze?

Colored slip formulated to be used under a clear glaze. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Clay and Ceramics

Clay is a decomposed granite-type rock, consisting of fine particles.
Ceramics, derived from the Greek word "Keramos," refers to materials prepared using fire; initially included glass.

Properties of Clay

Plasticity is the ability of clay to stretch without cracking and maintain its shape when formed.
Leather hard indicates a state where clay is stiff but not completely dry, showing no visible color change.

Types of Clay Bodies

Clay body is a mixture of various clays designed for workability.
Earthenware is a low-temperature clay (1800-2000°F) that is porous post-firing, suitable for planters and dinnerware.
Stoneware is a high-temperature clay (2300°F+) that is dense, hard, and available in various colors (white, brown, buff).
Porcelain is a very high-temperature clay made only from white clays, used for fine china and sculpture, noted for its density and hardness.

Clay Stages

Greenware refers to clay items that are dry yet unfired, while bisqueware includes pieces that have undergone initial firing and are ready for glazing.

Firing and Equipment

Firing is the heating process that hardens clay and melts glaze.
A kiln is a specialized oven for firing clay, which can be electric, gas, or wood-burning. Electric kilns are commonly used in studio settings.

Techniques in Pottery

Wedging involves kneading clay to remove air bubbles and create an even texture.
Throwing is the technique of shaping clay on a potter's wheel.
Slip is a clay-water mixture with a paint-like consistency, used for attaching clay pieces.
Scoring involves roughing edges of clay pieces that need to be bonded.

Decorative Techniques

Sgraffito, or incising, includes carving designs into leather-hard clay.
Glaze provides a thin, glass-like coating for water-proofing and decorating surfaces.
Oxide is a colorant for adding hues to glazes and slips, often combined with a white majolica glaze.
Majolica features earthenware with a thick white glaze and decorative oxide elements.
Engobe is a special slip designed for decorating damp greenware.
Underglaze is a colored slip applied under a clear glaze on bisqueware for decoration.

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Description

Test your knowledge of pottery with these flashcards. This quiz covers key terms such as clay, ceramics, and plasticity, providing definitions and insights into the fundamentals of pottery. Perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike!