Reading this page will help you learn new terms for decorating.
You can understand their meaning used in context with images to help.
Links to reference videos are provided to help gain further knowledge on specific decorating techniques.
An interactive hangman game at the bottom of this page will help you assess your recollection of these new terms.
You will be asked to identify some decorating techniques within the final Quiz on the Quiz Page .
You can understand their meaning used in context with images to help.
Links to reference videos are provided to help gain further knowledge on specific decorating techniques.
An interactive hangman game at the bottom of this page will help you assess your recollection of these new terms.
You will be asked to identify some decorating techniques within the final Quiz on the Quiz Page .
Here are some examples of the variety of ways a piece of ceramic can be decorated.
Note this is not an exhaustive list, even so the decorating techniques here are extremely varied.
As a ceramicist you may choose to specialize in one style of decorating or many.
- Decorating within the clay structure
Note this is not an exhaustive list, even so the decorating techniques here are extremely varied.
As a ceramicist you may choose to specialize in one style of decorating or many.
- Decorating within the clay structure
- Agateware - Mixing of coloured clay to form patterns (fluidity of colour variation)
- Nerikomi/nériage - Japanese agateware, made by stacking coloured clays and cutting thin cross sections to join as pattern
- Adding decoration such as press moulded reliefs
- Oxide pencils - used to draw on the surface
- Underglazes - (solution of pigments derived from oxides) used underneath glaze (can also be added to bisqued ware)
- Engobes - A slip containing less clay with added flux or silica for a glossier finish
- Terra Sigillata - Using a very fine slip to decorate and produce a smooth surface (think Greek red and black vases)
- Burnishing - Pressure is applied to the surface in a circular motion usually with a smooth stone or spoon , this in effect creates its own fine slip, and aligns the clay particles for a smooth surface. This is why it was also mentioned under slip on the processes page. Wax can be used after firing to polish.
- Slip Trailing- Trailing coloured slip for pattern or texture
- Sgrafitto - cutting through coloured slip on a surface to show the clay colour underneath
- Incising - cutting a line into the surface and filling with colour (underglaze /engobe/ slip)
- Stenciling - using a stencil to decorate specific designs
- Monoprinting A design is made on newspaper with slip (outside detail first/ background last) and transfered to clay ( https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/daily/pottery-making-techniques/ceramic-decorating-techniques/clay-monoprinting-great-way-get-hand-drawn-imagery-pots/ )
- Resist - Using shellac, wax or tape to resist areas when decorating
- Oxidation/reduction firing
- Firing at different temperatures earthenware/stoneware
- Combustible firing, raku, pit, smoke, saggar.
- Decals - Transfers which can be fired on
- Lustres - Added after a glaze firing and usually fired to a much lower temperature. Very shiny, normally used in small quantities as details due to expense of material (fumes- masks and good ventilation needed)
This mug attributed to Samuel Bell's Lower Street Potworks, Staffordshire is an example of agateware.
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This vase by Jean Gerbino in Vallauris was made using the technique of nériage
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This Greek vase is decorated with Terra Sigillata ( a fine slip)
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This pot be Louise Goodman , shows how the process of making can be used to decorate the form (Coiling)
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This plate uses decals, transfering images from paper to ceramics
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Reference VideosAlthough you don't need to watch these to complete the quizzes on this site, they are a great way to further your understanding.
30 Artists Taking Pottery To The Next Level by Insider
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2APU5ob9Og |
Test YourselfYou can test your knowledge on decorating on the Quiz page, where you can identify how ceramics are made from photographs of ceramic work, but make sure you go to the Glazing/Firing Page first to learn some more new vocabulary.
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