Greenware: Unfired Clay Pottery
Greenware is unfired clay pottery that is mostly dry but not yet fired in a kiln. It can be at various stages: wet, damp, soft leather-hard, stiff leather-hard, dry, bone dry. Greenware feels room temperature, not cool when held.
Firing Process
Firing brings clay and glazes to a high temperature, maturing them and giving optimal melting. Kilns, made of heat-resistant materials, fire pottery items such as crucibles, planters, vases, urns, and molds shaped on turntables from clay blocks. Pistons push off shaped greenware, and kilns fire greenware into final forms.
Ceramic Composition and Finishing
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Glazing Greenware and Single Firing
- The liquefied clay slips are usually applied on greenware. Firing single-glazed greenware can save a bisque firing.
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Earthenware Distinctiveness
- Earthenware differs from stoneware, porcelain, and bone china in material composition.
- During firing, mechanical water and organic matter burn out, chemically-bonded water drives off.
- Surfaces sinter, bonding particles, densifying clay. Unglazed clay retains natural color and texture.
- Bisque firing seals pores before glazing.
Pottery Finishing
What is unfinished pottery called?
- Unfinished pottery that is yet to be fired is referred to as greenware.
What are unfired ceramics called?
- Unfired ceramics are commonly known as greenware in the pottery-making process.