Surface and colour
Glossary · Family 05 of 5
13 terms
Surface and colour
05 · Surface and colour
Engobe
A liquid coating of clay and pigments applied to the piece before firing. It changes the colour, texture or surface appearance while staying closely related to the clay body.
05 · Surface and colour
Glaze
A glassy layer formed during firing that covers the ceramic surface. It can add colour, shine, texture or water resistance, and protects the piece from wear and liquid absorption.
05 · Surface and colour
Terra sigillata
An extremely refined engobe made from very fine clay particles. It produces smooth, glossy, silky surfaces without glaze, and has been used since ancient Rome.
05 · Surface and colour
Burnishing
A finishing technique in which the clay surface is polished with a smooth tool before firing. It compacts the particles and produces a characteristic natural sheen.
05 · Surface and colour
Colouring oxides
Metallic compounds used to colour glazes and clay bodies. Iron, copper, manganese and cobalt produce different tones depending on the glaze composition and the kiln atmosphere.
05 · Surface and colour
Matte glaze
A glaze with a non-reflective or low-sheen surface. Its soft, velvety look is achieved through specific compositions or by controlling firing conditions.
05 · Surface and colour
Celadon
A traditional glaze of Asian origin known for its green, bluish or greyish tones. The nuances depend on the iron content and on reduction conditions during firing.
05 · Surface and colour
Tenmoku
A glaze of East Asian origin with deep, dark tones, usually brown or black. Valued for the visual richness of its surfaces and the effects produced by crystallisation.
05 · Surface and colour
Shino
A traditional Japanese feldspathic glaze with whitish, orange or reddish surfaces. Known for its soft texture and for the effects it produces in reduction atmospheres.
05 · Surface and colour
Ash glaze
A glaze made wholly or partly from plant ash. It produces natural, variable finishes with organic nuances that depend on both the material used and the firing.
05 · Surface and colour
Crystalline glazes
Crystal formations that appear in certain glazes as a result of controlled cooling. They create unique decorative patterns, highly valued for their visual complexity.
05 · Surface and colour
Lustre
A decorative finish that creates iridescent metallic reflections on the ceramic surface. Obtained by applying specific compounds and a low-temperature firing known as third firing.
05 · Surface and colour
Crackle
A network of fine surface cracks found in some glazes. It can appear spontaneously through differences in shrinkage, or be induced deliberately as a decorative device.
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