Have you ever wondered about the difference between ceramics and pottery? You are not alone. Many of us use the two words interchangeably when we talk about our favorite coffee mugs, our colorfully glazed plates or handmade vases. While many people would class pottery and ceramics as one and the same, there is a difference between the two which we will explore in this article.
Whether you’re exploring a new creative outlet or want to learn more before buying your next dinnerset, let’s dive into the difference between ceramics vs pottery! Keep reading to find out.
What are ceramics?
A simple definition of ceramics is that they are non-metal materials that are permanently changed when heated. Clay is the classic example of a ceramic material; items made out of clay, once fired, are turned into ceramic, and they cannot be returned to their original state.
There are, of course, other ceramic materials, such as glaze, which, when heated, are permanently changed in their state. Glazes are also ceramic since the firing process makes them stiffer than glass that’s poured or blown, allowing them to stick to clay surfaces. Generally, ceramics are tough and can handle high temperatures and pressure. They're not affected by chemicals, don't attract magnets, and don't conduct electricity. Basically, ceramics are super durable and have all sorts of cool uses, from coffee mugs to spaceships!
What is pottery?
Pottery is a type of ceramic made solely from clay, crafted into functional pieces like mugs, bowls, and vases. It's essentially a vessel that holds something, whether it's your morning coffee or a bouquet of flowers. Pottery comes in three main categories: earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. So, whether you're sipping from your favorite mug or admiring a delicate porcelain teacup, you're experiencing the beauty and utility of pottery.
So the main difference between ceramics and pottery is that ceramics encompass a broader range of materials and applications, while pottery specifically refers to functional vessels made from clay, like your espresso cup.
What are the 3 main categories of pottery?
Earthenware
Earthenware is clay fired at lower temperatures (1.000 to 1.150 degrees Celsius), resulting in a porous and coarse texture. After glazing and a second firing, the glaze sits atop the earthenware as a separate layer. Its distinctive orange-ish color comes from impurities like quartz, feldspar, and iron oxide picked up during mixing and travel.
Stoneware
Stoneware is clay that’s fired at a higher temperature (1.200 degrees Celcius), causing it to vitrify and attain a glass-like consistency. Unlike earthenware, stoneware is non-porous, making any glaze applied purely decorative.
Porcelain
Porcelain, known for its delicate appearance and found in many grandmas’ cupboards, is fired at temperatures ranging from 1.200 to 1.450 degrees Celsius. Its composition includes fine white clay mixed with glass, granite, and feldspar minerals, resulting in a hard, translucent material. This type of clay, with fewer impurities, produces the fine china known for its elegance and strength. And maybe you’ve also heard of bone china, which is even stronger, incorporating ash from cattle bones into its composition.
What is the difference in production of ceramics and pottery?
Pottery is often crafted by hand or on a potter's wheel, shaping clay before firing it at high temperatures to make it durable. Ceramics, on the other hand, can be crafted from various materials, including clay, silica, and glazes, and are also fired at high temperatures, typically in factories.
While pottery relies mainly on clay, ceramics have a wider range of elements, making the production process more diverse. Pottery making has remained largely unchanged for centuries, traditionally involving kiln firing.
Ceramists continue to innovate ceramic use over time, adapting materials for modern applications. With different firing methods tailored to specific materials and purposes, ceramics have found their way into a variety of modern inventions.
What is the difference in use of ceramics and pottery?
Pottery serves primarily as functional items like food or drink vessels, often glazed for durability and pretty looks. In contrast, ceramics have diverse applications, from knives and armor to glass and car engines. Ceramics can also be machine-made for uses like tiles. In addition to industrial purposes, ceramics encompass artistic creations like fine china figurines and clay artworks. These pieces, made from porcelain or fine bone china, are considered ceramics rather than pottery, highlighting the versatility of ceramic artistry.
What is the difference in texture between ceramics and pottery?
Pottery typically has a rustic feel with its rough finish, showcasing its handmade charm. In contrast, ceramics are crafted with precision, resulting in smoother surfaces tailored for engineering purposes. While ceramics are renowned for their durability, especially in engineering, pottery may not always withstand rough handling and can easily break if dropped or bumped. So make sure you don’t drop those pretty coffee mugs!
Summary: What is the real difference between ceramics and pottery?
So let’s sum it up: Pottery is a form of ceramics, but ceramics covers a much broader spectrum. Pottery is a specific type of ceramic, focusing mainly on crafting pots and clay items. While both involve a similar production process, ceramics have a wider range of uses beyond functional vessels, including artistic creations like figurines and glasswork.
Despite similarities in production processes, ceramic artistry extends beyond traditional pottery techniques, requiring skill and precision for special designs. While some may consider figurines as pottery, the consensus is that pottery emphasizes functional vessels, like coffee mugs and dinner plates, whereas ceramics encompass both functional and artistic creations.
So, whether you're exploring a new craft or getting your hands dirty with clay, understanding the distinction between ceramics and pottery opens up a world of creative possibilities. And if you can’t wait to have some nice ceramics, or rather, pottery, in your home, find your favorites here at Mesa do Gato.