Ceramics

Ceramics is the art of making things from clay. Artists shape the clay, let it dry, and then bake it in a very hot oven called a kiln. The heat makes the clay hard and strong. Plates, mugs, tiles, and statues can all be made from ceramics.

Types of Ceramics

There are different kinds of ceramics. Earthenware is baked at low heat and is a bit rough. Stoneware is baked hotter and is very strong. Porcelain is baked at the highest heat and is smooth and thin. Fine china dishes are made from porcelain.

Glazes and Decoration

After the clay is shaped, artists can add a glaze. A glaze is a thin coating that melts in the kiln and becomes shiny. Glazes come in many colors. Artists also carve designs into wet clay or paint pictures on their work before baking it again.

Fun Facts

• The word ceramic comes from a Greek word meaning pottery.
• Porcelain was first made in China over 1,000 years ago.
• Ceramic tiles are used on the outside of space shuttles to protect them from heat.

Did You Know?

Ceramic tiles on the space shuttle could handle temperatures over 2,300 degrees Fahrenheit!