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Ceramics materials and tools - OCRTypes of clay

Learn about ceramics as a medium for creating sculptures and functional objects. Find out about the different types of clay and their uses and the tools, materials and processes used to make objects out of clay.

Part of Art and DesignSculpture

Types of clay

Clay comes in many varieties with different properties. Different clays have different uses.聽Some clay is strong and , making it ideal for large-scale or outdoor use. Other types are chosen for their colour, texture or flexibility.

Popular types of clay include earthenware, stoneware and porcelain.

Earthenware

A collection of orange and black pots

Earthenware clays are the most commonly used clays because they fire at low temperatures. They are highly .

A photograph of the terracotta army. Stone figures standing in rows
Figure caption,
The Terracotta Army is a collection of military figures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China

Terracotta is another earthenware clay. It contains iron which makes it reddish-brown.

Unglazed earthenware is . It is used for bricks, tiles and plant pots. Unless it is glazed, it is not suitable for holding liquids.

Stoneware

hand-modelled sculpture of a rabbit-like creature
Figure caption,
Stoneware clay is tough and waterproof, making it well suited for outdoor sculptural work like this student's outdoor ornament

Stoneware clay is and often grey. Firing it in different ways will change the final colour.

It is tough and is excellent for making dinnerware because it can be heated in a normal oven many times without breaking. It is and waterproof.

Porcelain

A blue and white teapot and cup on a wooden table and a pile of loose leaf tea
Figure caption,
Porcelain is used widely for Chinese tea sets - it is often decorated with blue glaze

Porcelain is smooth and versatile. It is used for functional objects, decorative items and sculptures. It has a white, finish. This plain, uncoloured surface makes it ideal for vibrant glaze work.

Paper clay

Ornate ceramic cylinders with black studs
Figure caption,
Paper clay is light and strong. It can be used to create intricate sculptural pieces such as this student artwork

Paper clay is a mix of clay, paper pulp and water. When fired, the paper pulp burns away giving a thin and light yet strong finish.

Paper clay in the state is strong and versatile. At this stage, the dry clay can have more wet clay attached to it, creating many layers. This allows more freedom than other clays.