Ceramics

Ceramics have been created since since 10,000BC. Early ceramics are hard to find as they were not so durable as later ceramics. This is mainly because of the inability to fire at high temperatures.

Early ceramics were plain but eventually this began to be painted. The Greeks made painted ceramics known as Rainbow Ware. Rainbow Ware was normally red and black and later in the Middle Neolithic red and white pottery was introduced known as Sesklo Ware.

Eventually ceramics became not only practical items but decorative items as well. There are many different types of ceramics such as Earthenware, Stoneware, Hard-Paste, Soft-Paste, Bone China and Porcelain.

Not only are there different types of ceramics but there are also different styles of ceramics depending on the country of origin, era and artist.

From 1450 until around 1850 lead-glazed earthenware was commonly used for many everyday items. This was not ideal due to lead being toxic. Around the 19th century other types of glazes were used such as salt glaze.

Chinese porcelain has always been popular and the blue and white style associated with chinese porcelain has been adopted by many European potters. Large amounts of chinese porcelain was made for both export and for use in Chinese families. One of the most popular eras for chinese porcelain was the Ming Dynasty.

Japanese porcelain is also widely popular especially Imari and Satsuma earthenware.

Until the 18th Century, Western European ceramics were mainly produced for practical reasons, but the 18th Century saw some excellent ceramic manufactures such as Meissen, Capodimante and Sevres.

The twentieth century brought a completely new style into existence. That of Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Famous potters of this New Art era are Clarice Cliff and Shelly.