Pottery traditions: from antiquity to modern times

Pottery has been known since prehistoric times. From the first days of its history mankind used clay to create dishes, tools and jewelry. In different parts of the world there were their own traditions and methods of working with clay:

• Ancient Egypt – pottery was an integral part of everyday life here, and vessels with characteristic Egyptian symbolism and ornaments have remained relevant for thousands of years.
• Ancient Greece – potters created not only tableware, but also artistic works: amphorae, vases depicting mythological scenes. The black and red clay technique, which became the symbol of Greek pottery, was used for both decorative and utilitarian purposes.
• China – Chinese ceramics is famous for its exquisite products such as porcelain and the famous ceramic teapots. Chinese craftsmen also developed special glazing and painting techniques.
• Japan – Japanese pottery, especially during the Edo Dynasty, became known for techniques such as raku and zō. The Japanese created products centered on the philosophy of wa, which means “harmony” and “simplicity.”

Modern trends in pottery art

In the modern world, the art of pottery continues to evolve, combining ancient methods with new technologies. Today, potters around the world are using traditional techniques combined with innovation and experimenting with new forms and materials:

3D printing in pottery

Modern technologies such as 3D printing make it possible to create unique shapes and textures that cannot be reproduced by hand. This opens up new horizons for ceramicists, allowing them to create works of art with detailed and complex geometric structures.

Experimentation with materials

Many contemporary makers use not only traditional clay but also other materials such as concrete, glass or metal to create hybrid pieces. This allows them to push the boundaries of what is considered traditional ceramics.

Minimalism and abstraction

The trends of minimalism and abstraction in ceramic art have been popular in recent decades. Masters are moving away from utilitarian forms and creating conceptual pieces where form and texture override function.

Environmentalism and sustainability

With a growing awareness of sustainability, many contemporary ceramicists are turning to the use of eco-friendly materials and production methods. They are choosing natural clays and eco-friendly glazes, and are actively involved in reclaiming traditional ceramic production methods.

The role of pottery in the modern world

Pottery art not only retains ties to the past, but is also actively evolving, playing an important role in art history and the creative industries. It inspires designers, artists and craftsmen, and serves as a source of inspiration for new generations seeking to understand the nature of the material and its possibilities.

Pottery as art and craft

Unlike mass production, pottery preserves the individuality of each piece. Each piece is not just a thing, but the result of the creativity of a master who has put his soul and special approach into each product.

Masters as keepers of traditions

Modern potters continue to pass on knowledge and skills from generation to generation. Many of them preserve ancient techniques, restore forgotten methods of working with clay and glaze, which helps to preserve the rich heritage of pottery craft.

Conclusion

Pottery is not just the creation of objects, but a living continuation of traditions, which at the same time is not afraid to experiment and open new horizons. Today, potters around the world continue to create by combining ancient techniques with new technologies, making pottery art timeless and relevant in any era. It is important to remember that every object created by the hands of a master carries history, culture and individuality.

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From the history of majolica

The first such products appeared in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Later, the technology was improved by the Arabs and often used for the manufacture of decorative tiles and dishes. It was thanks to them that majolica came to Europe – after the conquest of Spain, many Arab masters moved to new territories. They brought with them the technology of making majolica. One of the first places in Europe, where it began to trade, was the island of Majorca, which gave the technique its name.

Italians visiting Mallorca were delighted by the ceramics sold there, on the white enamel of which bright patterns shone spectacularly. In the XIV century, they adopted the technology from the Spanish and by the XV century. developed it so that majolica products turned into true works of art. Previously, such ceramics decorated mainly plant and geometric ornaments, but the Italians began to depict on majolica real paintings – portraits, landscapes, domestic scenes, religious subjects. In addition, they greatly expanded the range of glazes suitable for this technique. To the usual yellow, blue and green were added new colors: cobalt, red, brown, orange, violet and others.

Main features

Despite the variety of varieties of majolica, all products made in this technique have a number of common features. Let’s highlight the main ones:

• For majolica, clay is usually chosen, forming a porous shard when solidified. Previously, potters used only natural materials, but now they introduce synthetic additives to increase strength.
• Before the second firing, the entire piece (or its exterior) is covered with a thick layer of white enamel.
• With the help of colored glazes, a bright image is applied. The ceramist can work in both monochrome and polychrome techniques. It is important that before applying colored glazes, he clearly understands what kind of drawing he wants to get. Majolica does not tolerate mistakes – the admitted inaccuracy can not be eliminated. Applying glazes masters usually begin with painting those areas where there will be colored elements of the image. Only after that the contour is drawn – black, silver or, for example, gold. The complexity of images in majolica varies: ceramists create on the surface of products both simple abstract ornaments and subject multifigure compositions. What unites them is the brightness of color (most often blue, green, yellow) and relief.
• After drawing and the second firing the product is covered with a layer of transparent glaze to fix the image. Then follows the third firing.

Work in the majolica technique is not suitable for beginner ceramists, as it requires great concentration and precision. In addition, it involves a number of risks. For example, some glazes when firing change color, and, therefore, there is a possibility that the finished result will differ from the master’s idea. Therefore, before undertaking to create a product, it is important to think through the details of the pattern, as well as test glazes on individual tiles.

Majolica in the modern world

Ceramic products created with the help of this technique are now often used for interior decoration. Due to the variety of color variations, majolica is combined with many existing styles. So, for strict classics will suit tiles and dishes made in monochrome (Gzhel or Delft), and if you want to decorate your apartment or home in accordance with the Eastern or Mediterranean traditions, it is better to choose more colorful options (Italian majolica or zulyaij).

Majolica tiles are strong enough, resistant to moisture and temperature fluctuations, and also has good fire resistance. Due to these qualities, it is included in the finishing of fireplace areas, kitchen apron, bathroom, hallway.

Tableware made of majolica is often not suitable for everyday use, but can serve as an excellent decoration of the interior of the living room, office or cafe. In addition, elements made of majolica ceramics look good on various furniture and other objects of environment – coffee tables, mirrors, picture frames.

Due to the peculiarities of manufacturing and hand-painted real majolica is now quite expensive, but in stores you can buy its cheap analogs – ceramic tiles and dishes made by simplified technology, but with a pattern in the same style.

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Chinese porcelain of the Qin dynasty

Francois Xavier d’Antrecol became a Jesuit priest at the age of 18 and began his service to the Church and the Order as an interpreter. What set this young man apart from other clerics was his ability to grasp information on the fly, while trying to understand the essence of things. That is why he, the owner of a lively and inquisitive mind, as well as nine other capable members of the Jesuit Order sent to China as missionaries. And it was there that d’Antrecoll became famous as the man who revealed one of the most important Chinese secrets.

François Xavier d’Antrecoll

Active trade between China and Europe began as early as the 17th century, and perhaps one of the most important goods exported by Europeans was Chinese porcelain. At that time, tableware even in the best European homes was often earthenware or earthenware, unsightly and bulky. Of course, compared to these dishes, Chinese, light, graceful, skillfully painted, was the height of perfection. And not all rich people could afford to buy such dishes – so expensive it cost at that time.

Of course, almost immediately after the appearance of porcelain in Europe, local craftsmen tried to copy this product and create something similar, but their own. There were many swindlers who said that they have the exact “recipe” of Chinese porcelain, and in fact sold gullible people some meaningless bling. The best scientific minds of Europe tried to unravel the true essence of porcelain, constantly conducting all kinds of experiments. One way or another, no one success in the case of recreating Chinese porcelain in Europe then did not achieve.

When Father François d’Antrecoll appeared in China, he was already 34 years old – quite a mature man for that era. To be a member of the Jesuit Order – it means not only to preach faith in Christ, but also to lead, intelligence activities, to comprehend other people’s secrets and secrets. Here and d’Antrecol received such an order – if possible, to try to learn the long-standing and carefully guarded secret of porcelain. If it were happening in our days, the whole operation of this Jesuit would be called industrial espionage – that’s exactly what he was doing.

François d’Antrecoll had an excellent knowledge of the Chinese language, which helped him in establishing ties with the local population. His inquisitive mind and knowledge of human psychology allowed him to figure out which Chinese could be bribed and which one was better not to approach. One way or another, my father many times penetrated into those facilities where Chinese porcelain was made.

Of course, his task was not easy. The Chinese, in the main, did not trust outsiders too much, and certainly their secret was carefully guarded. But 10 years of reconnaissance were not in vain, and in 1712 d’Antrecoll wrote home to France, a letter in which he reported that he finally learned the secret of Chinese porcelain.

Interestingly, the recipe of François Xavier d’Antrecoll’s father was not published at that time, and the letter was not presented to the world until 1735. Why was there such a delay? Apparently, all this time, the Jesuit Order was trying to decide how to better use the knowledge obtained, because if successful, it could give a huge, incomprehensible income. In addition, the letter described the entire long, extremely complex and painstaking process of creating porcelain, which means that without great experience and skill to recreate porcelain at once in the Order and could not, and it took decades before something good came out.

Anyway, although the creation of European porcelain and dealt a huge blow to the trade in porcelain Chinese, products from China were still valued and cost a lot for many years.

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International Association of Ceramicists (IAC)

The International Association of Ceramicists brings together artisans from around the world. Here you can find information about events, exhibitions, competitions and new developments in the world of ceramics.

The Ceramic Arts Network

A platform for ceramists and artists to find workshops, articles, video tutorials, as well as research and material reviews.

The Ceramic Review

One of the leading publications on ceramic art, featuring articles on the world’s best ceramicists, new trends and collections.

Ceramics on Wikipedia

A great source for learning the basics of ceramics, including its history, techniques, types, and uses in different cultures.

Ceramic Online

An international online store that features not only ceramic products, but also educational materials for those who want to learn ceramics.

Contemporary Ceramics: Art and Trends

A platform dedicated to contemporary trends in ceramic art and innovative approaches taken by artisans around the world.

These resources will help you immerse yourself in the world of ceramics, find inspiration for new projects, or deepen your knowledge of ancient traditions and modern techniques. Be on the lookout, and let your creativity grow!

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Lotus symbolism: from spirituality to aesthetics

The lotus is widely recognized in Eastern cultures, especially Indian, Buddhist, and Egyptian. In each of these contexts, it has a unique meaning:

• In India, the lotus is a symbol of purity, enlightenment, and spiritual rebirth. In Hinduism and Buddhism, the lotus represents the process of purification of the soul despite the mud and silt in which the flower grows.
• In ancient Egypt, the lotus was associated with life and rebirth and was also a symbol of the sun. The Egyptians considered it a flower that symbolized the beginning of new life and rebirth.
• In China, the lotus is associated with harmony, longevity and femininity. Ceramic works often depict lotus flowers as a symbol of inner beauty and tranquility.

Lotus in ceramics: from antiquity to modernity

In ceramics, the lotus is often depicted in various forms, from traditional Chinese lotus vases to modern ceramic sculptures and tiles. Its soft lines and delicate shapes are perfect for capturing the beauty of nature through clay.

• Ancient Greek and Roman ceramists sometimes depicted the lotus as part of ornaments, symbolizing purity and harmony in the world around them.
• Contemporary ceramicists often use the lotus in abstract form, playing with its petals, colors and textures. Ceramic pieces featuring the lotus can be both decorative and functional, such as bowls, plates or even street sculptures.

The lotus as a source of inspiration for ceramicists

For many contemporary ceramicists, the lotus is not just a decorative element, but also a symbol of deep emotion and philosophical reflection. For example:

• Masters working in the Buddhist tradition often create lotus figurines to emphasize the philosophy of enlightenment and self-knowledge.
• Contemporary ceramicists, inspired by natural forms, use the lotus as a metaphor for overcoming challenges and growth. Molding and painting the lotus allows you to unleash your creativity and give the piece a unique meaning.

Lotus in modern collections

Contemporary ceramic collections dedicated to the lotus often focus on its diversity. Some pieces, such as vases, bowls or tiles, utilize glazing techniques to capture the unique texture of the petals. The lotus in these collections is often depicted in abstract or minimalist form, making it not just a design element, but an expression of philosophy and individual vision.

Conclusion

The lotus in ceramics is not only a beautiful and symbolic decorative element, but also a source of deep reflection and inspiration. This flower can convey ideas of purity, beauty, harmony and enlightenment that ceramicists and artists use to create unique works of art. Its shapes, colors and textures continue to inspire artisans around the world, combining ancient traditions with contemporary creativity.

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The most basic of the history of the development of ceramic products

Clay as a material was not immediately mastered by man. When clay was fired, moisture and dampness were removed from it, thus some substances disintegrated, and others, on the contrary, were formed. And only after the clay was fired completely, it turned into ceramics.

To make clay into ceramics, it was necessary to fire it at a temperature of 500-900° Celsius. If the temperature was low, the process took a long time. And today in Asia and Africa, craftsmen fire clay on a fire. As before, it is placed on the surface, and wood is laid next to it. This process lasts from 8 hours.

Also for this purpose a special slide was invented, where the temperature could be raised to the desired parameter, without making any unnecessary efforts. This method is much more efficient and faster. In the Middle Ages, a horn was created, which became the main accessory of all artisans.

At present, you can see many varieties of ceramic products. However, in the past, a distinction was made between fine pottery and coarse pottery. To thin ceramic products include porcelain, semipharmony, faience, majolica. Rough ceramics, on the other hand, was a rather narrow focus. It included mainly pottery art. Porcelain products represented a sintered shard. Most often it was exactly white or ivory color. Water absorption was low, when the masters knocked on the product, it made a melodious sound.

The emergence and development of ceramic craft

Products first appeared in ancient times. Then clay vessels appeared. Most often they were used in the household and in the kitchen. At that time, they even tried to use hot clay. In the Neolithic era, firing began to spread. Initially, the dishes had a sharp bottom, then there were products with a flat bottom. The dishes were decorated with various ornaments and other details. There were different designs for each area, depending on the culture and people. In parallel, clay objects were used as industrial material.

In the Bronze Age in Egypt, masters began to use special equipment, which allowed faster and better to create products. After that, this craft became an official profession at that time. In China at that time began to make thin-walled glazed dishes. Craftsmen came to this thanks to the use of high-quality white clay – kaolin. After that the masters mastered earthenware.

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