Traditional ceramics

Traditional ceramics (pottery) are fired within the temperature range 1100°C to 1400°C. Earthenware is at the low end, followed by mid range stoneware, and finally high range porcelain. Temperature plays a critical role in the production of these different types of pottery.

The style and presentation of ceramics can vary – the firing temperature does not mean that all porcelain is fine and elegant and all earthenware is rustic and homemade looking. 

Earthenware mug and terracotta pot, Public domain; Stoneware pink Crown Lynn teacup, Auckland Museum, CC BY 4.0, and Temuka pie dish, Public domain; Qing-dynasty porcelain teacup (ca. 1690), Public domain, and Royal Doulton plate with koru design, Auckland Museum, CC BY 4.0.