Bisque Firing
The initial firing that converts fragile, dry clay into durable but porous ceramic known as bisqueware.
Bisqueware
Clay that has been fired once. It can no longer dissolve in water and is ready for glaze application.
Bone-Dry
The stage where raw clay has completely air-dried, lost all surface moisture, and turned a lighter shade. It can still dissolve completely in water.
Coil
A long, rope-like roll of clay used to build height, form handles, or reinforce seams.
Cone 04
A pyrometric cone measure used by potters to gauge heat work in low-fire ranges (around 1,950°F).
Cone 6
A mid-fire heat range (around 2,230°F) that vitrifies clay and melts glazes into a non-porous surface.
Flange
A rim or ledge added to the underside of a lid so it sits securely inside a pot's opening without sliding off.
Foot Ring
A carved or added ring of clay at the base of a piece that raises it slightly off the surface.
Gallery
An interior ledge built around the inside rim of a vessel to support a lid.
Glaze
A liquid mixture of powdered minerals and glass-formers that melts into a smooth, decorative coating during firing.
Greenware
Any unfired clay artwork (whether wet, leather-hard, or bone-dry).
Handbuilding
Shaping clay using hands and simple tools rather than a pottery wheel (includes pinch pots, coils, and slabs).
Kiln
A high-temperature electric oven engineered specifically for baking ceramics. There are many kinds of kilns and firings, including electric, wood, or gas kilns and oxidation, reduction, or raku firings.
Leather-Hard
The stage where clay has dried enough to hold its shape firmly without bending, but is still damp enough to carve, trim, or attach handles.
Score and Slip
The method of scratching clay surfaces and adding liquid clay paste to lock two pieces securely together.
Slab
A flat, even sheet of clay rolled out with a pin or slab roller.
Slip
Clay mixed with water into a smooth paste; acts as glue for joining clay pieces.
Underglaze
A colored ceramic stain applied to greenware or bisqueware for detailed painting or drawing before clear glaze is added.
Vent
A small hole made in a hollow ceramic shape that allows expanding steam and gases to escape safely during firing.
Vitrify
The process during high-temperature firing where clay particles fuse dense and glass-like, so that it does not absorb any water if submerged for 12 hours or more.
Ware Board
A portable wooden disc or board used to support and transport pieces without touching the wet clay directly.
Wedge
Kneading clay like dough to work out air pockets and make the texture smooth and consistent.