pottery

In order to determine the etymological origin of the word that concerns us now, it is necessary that we go back in time. And it is that that emanates from Arabic, and more specifically still from the words al-fahhar which can be translated as "ceramics".

The pottery is the name of the art which consists of the elaboration of clay pots. The stores where the vessels are sold and the workshop in which they are manufactured also receive this name.

In general, the concept of pottery is used to refer to those pieces made without enamel or with varnish applied in a single firing. Therefore, the potter differs from the ceramist, since it adds enamels and uses various techniques in its pieces, with more than one firing.

Historians claim that pottery was born about 12,000 years ago in Japan, with the development of the Jomon ceramic. The oldest pottery in Latin America on record is composed of objects from Kotosh-Hauyrajirca, that were found in Peru and that would date from the year 1,850 BC

Pottery has been so important, not only for mere decorative pleasure but also for its usefulness in carrying out various tasks of daily life, that throughout history, in addition to the aforementioned objects, a multitude of elements of this type belonging to ancient times.

Thus, for example, today we have the privilege of being able to admire Egyptian pieces dating from 3,700 BC to others belonging to the cultures that populated the Iberian Peninsula during the Bronze Age, including Greek, Iberian or Roman ceramics.

Precisely these and many others have become the best works of art and jewelry that are preserved in museums around the world. Specifically, some of the most significant are in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, the National Museum of Tokyo, the National Museum of Ancient Art of Portugal or the National Archaeological Museum of Spain which is located in Madrid.

All this without forgetting that, for example, then there are other cultural centers of this type that specialize in pottery. This would be the case of the Museum of Pottery of Agost, in the Valencian community, which is located in an old clay factory from the 19th century and which allows to know in depth the characteristics of this art in that area.

The process of making ceramic pieces begins with the clay kneading, so that the different particles and humidity are distributed evenly and to avoid the formation of air bubbles.

The next step is to manual molding or with the help of different tools. In this part of the process, Water, so that the clay maintains its plasticity and no cracks appear.

After the piece is left outdoor to dry, in a phase known as leather status. When the piece is completely dry, it acquires greater hardness and a lighter color. The potter can then sand the piece to make it look neater.

Finally, the piece of pottery is baked, where it acquires greater resistance and loses its chemical moisture.