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Pottery

Pottery is made by shaping wet clay and baking it hard in a very hot oven called a kiln. A potter's wheel spins to help shape bowls and vases.

๐Ÿ’ก Fun fact

The oldest known pottery is about 20,000 years old.

All about Pottery

Pottery is the art of shaping clay into bowls, vases, plates and sculptures. Clay is soft and easy to shape when wet. Once shaped, it is left to dry and then baked in a very hot oven called a kiln, which hardens it permanently.

A potter's wheel spins to help shape round objects, such as bowls and vases, while handbuilding techniques like pinching and coiling create other shapes. Pottery has been made for thousands of years and is found in every culture.

Pottery is made by shaping wet clay and baking it hard in a very hot oven called a kiln. Once fired, pottery is strong and can be glazed to add colour and shine.

Vases, bowls and cups are common examples.

๐ŸŽฎ Try it yourself!

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Real-life uses of Pottery

  • Making a mug or a bowl for everyday use
  • Creating decorative vases for a home
  • Learning about the history of ancient societies through their pottery

Frequently asked questions about Pottery

What is a kiln?

A very hot oven used to fire clay so that it becomes hard and durable.

What is the difference between clay and pottery?

Clay is the raw material. Pottery is the finished object made from clay and fired in a kiln.

Is pottery a good hobby for children?

Yes. It builds fine motor skills, patience and creativity, and it is safe with adult supervision.