Site Map

Information About

Agateware

APPAREL
BABY
BEAUTY
BOOKS
CAR TOYS
CELL PHONES
DVD'S
ELECTRONICS
GOURMET FOOD
GROCERIES
HEALTH & PERSONAL
HOME & GARDEN
JEWELRY
MUSIC
MUSIC INSTRUMENTS
OFFICE PRODUCTS
SOFTWARE
SPORTING GOODS
TOOLS & HARDWARE
TOYS
VIDEO GAMES
SHOPPING HOME

MORE SHOPPING...



The name agateware is derived from the Agate Stone , which when sliced shows multicolored layers. This pottery technique allows for both precise and thoughtout patterns, and free random effects.


Technique:


In order to avoid cracking and breaking which come along with mixing a variety of different kinds of clay, potters generally use one white or very light clay as a base. They then add colors in the form of stains or oxides. Colorant is added to the clay when it is in powder form in order to avoid blistering. 1-10% of colorant is generally applied, however it is up to the individual taste of the potter. The drying process is the most crucial part of this technique and should take over a week. This form of pottery can look great left unglazed, or glazed however pale colors will be completely covered by glaze if it isn't completely transparent.


Process

One way
materials: this process requires the use of two or more differently colored clays. Body stains can be used to obtain almost any color desired.

#combine two or more different colored clays by Kneading and Wedging .
#slice through to determine the amount of blending desired (generally agate patterning consists of a smaller amount of the stronger color).
#throwing/shape forming (you will not be able to see the agate effect)

#leather-hard stage (you will start to clearly see the agate effect at this point)


Further reading

  • Cosentino, Peter. The Encyclopedia Of Pottery Techniques. Philadelphia: Running P, 1990. 11-13.



External links