Selasa, 17 Juni 2008

stoneware

Very hard, opaque, water resistant pottery made of non-porous (non-absorbent) clay with feldspar and a high silica content. it is fired at high temperatures (1.200-1.280'C /2.192-2.336'F) to the point of vitrification, producing a glasslike, non-porous material that is between porcelain and earthenware in character.

Stone ware usually fires to shades of grey or buff, thoug some red stonewares do exist, Glazing decorates and gives the survaces a smooth finish. The earliest examples are chinese, from the 10th to 3rd centuries BC.

From the 9th century AD stone ware was made in northern Europe, in Britain from the late 17th century.

TIPS ON CARING FOR YOUR TERRACOTTA POTTERY.

Bali, Lombok and Javanese pottery is low fired, Its maximum firing temperature is about 650.C – 750.C which makes it porous, even when fired to maturity. This pottery is fragile, but with careful handling and maintenance it will last for many many years.

Large terracotta pots are traditionally used as water storage jars but are more commonly used in modern times for decorative purposes. The colors and sheen of the pottery will last longer if not exposed to damp conditions. If used as plant pot without an inner plastic container, root growth pressure will eventually crack the pot. Damp conditions are conducive to mould which will spoil the surface of the pot and obliterate any color, firing marks or decoration.
In destination countries terracotta pots have been stored outside in temperatures of minus 14 degrees Celsius without breakage, Unless treated with a sealer moisture in the pottery will, as ice, expand and break the pot. We recommend the largest terracotta pots be kept in dry conditions where possible.


Bali, Lombok and Javanese terracotta tableware should be used as decoration. Normal washing by hand with detergent is recommended, the pottery should then be left to air dry.

The glazed pottery ( Teapots / cups and saucers etc. are high fired with a lead free process and are most suitable for private and commercial environments, the same ceramics are used here in large resort hotels.. .