What Is Lava Glaze Pottery
Lava glaze pottery is a unique Vietnamese style known for its distinctive colors and texture patterns.
It is high fired at temperatures over 1200 degrees Celsius, which makes it extremely durable.
The glaze used in lava glaze pottery blends colors in a one-of-a-kind way, resulting in a range of earth tones and subdued hues.
This type of pottery is a good choice for clients who prefer more muted glazes.
Lava glaze pottery uses silicon carbide to create bubbly and textured finishes.
In order to determine the best results, the author tested seven different grits of silicon carbide, using Marilee’s Lava glaze at a 3.5% concentration of silicon carbide.
However, excessive bubbling can cause small blistering, so it is important to adjust the glaze application or silicon carbide concentration if necessary.
Did You Know?
1. Lava glaze pottery is a unique ceramic technique that involves using volcanic materials to create a glaze.
2. This type of pottery is fired at extremely high temperatures, typically around 1,300 to 1,400 degrees Celsius (2,400 to 2,600 degrees Fahrenheit).
3. Lava glaze pottery originated in Italy during the 16th century and was popularized on the island of Sicily.
4. The volcanic materials used to create the glaze are usually sourced from Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in Europe.
5. Lava glaze pottery is renowned for its distinctive, iridescent appearance, resembling the shimmering colors found in nature such as the play of light on flowing lava streams.
Unique Vietnamese Style And Distinctive Texture Patterns
Lava glaze pottery is a unique ceramic technique that originated in Vietnam. This style is particularly known for its distinctive colors and texture patterns, which set it apart from other types of pottery. The artists skillfully blend different colors of glaze to create these unique patterns, resulting in a visually appealing and highly sought-after appearance.
Unlike traditional glazed pottery, lava glaze is high-fired at temperatures over 1200 degrees Celsius. This high firing process not only makes the pottery extremely durable and resistant to wear and tear, but it also gives it a sense of strength and resilience. This makes lava glaze pottery perfect for functional pieces such as bowls, plates, and cups.
High Fired For Extreme Durability
The high-temperature firing process of lava glaze pottery ensures its durability and longevity. This technique strengthens the clay body, making it less prone to cracking or breaking. This durability is especially important for pieces that will be used on a daily basis, as they need to withstand the rigors of everyday use.
Additionally, the high firing temperature produces a unique and beautiful finish that cannot be achieved with lower firing techniques. The extreme heat causes the glaze to melt and fuse with the clay body, creating a smooth and glossy surface. This gives lava glaze pottery not only its distinctive appearance but also its resistance to stains and scratches.
- The high-temperature firing process of lava glaze pottery strengthens the clay body, making it less prone to cracking or breaking.
- Lava glaze pottery has a unique and beautiful finish that cannot be achieved with lower firing techniques.
- The extreme heat causes the glaze to melt and fuse with the clay body, creating a smooth and glossy surface.
- Lava glaze pottery is resistant to stains and scratches.
“The high-temperature firing process of lava glaze pottery ensures its durability and longevity.”
One-Of-A-Kind Glaze Blends And Earth Tones
One of the most striking features of lava glaze pottery is the remarkable blend of colors achieved through the glazing process. The artists carefully select and blend different shades, resulting in a mesmerizing fusion of earth tones and subdued hues. The colors range from warm browns and deep greens to subtle blues and soft greys, evoking a sense of serenity and natural beauty.
The glaze itself plays a crucial role in achieving these unique color blends. The technique requires meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the materials used. This is why experienced lava glaze potters take great care in formulating the glaze mixture, ensuring the desired effects are achieved.
Muted Glazes For Clients’ Preferences
Lava glaze pottery is an excellent choice for clients who prefer more muted glazes. The earthy, subdued hues of lava glaze offer a sophisticated and understated appeal that can complement a variety of home decor styles. Whether it’s a minimalist, rustic, or traditional setting, lava glaze pottery adds a touch of elegance without overpowering the space.
This preference for more muted glazes also reflects a growing trend towards understated and timeless designs. Lava glaze pottery has been embraced by interior designers and homeowners alike, as it effortlessly blends into various aesthetics, making it a versatile choice for any environment.
Bubbly And Textured Finishes Using Silicon Carbide
One of the techniques used to achieve the distinctive texture patterns in lava glaze pottery is the use of silicon carbide. Silicon carbide is an abrasive compound often used in polishing and grinding applications. However, in lava glaze pottery, it serves a different purpose.
When added to the glaze mixture, silicon carbide creates bubbly and textured finishes. This effect is achieved by the compound’s reaction to the intense heat during the firing process. The silicon carbide particles produce gas bubbles that rise to the surface, creating unique textures and patterns on the pottery’s surface.
During the testing process, different grits of silicon carbide were evaluated to determine the best results. The author of this article tested seven different grits, each with varying results. Ultimately, the glaze used for testing was Marilee’s Lava glaze with a concentration of 3.5% silicon carbide.
It’s worth noting that excessive bubbling caused by silicon carbide can lead to small blistering on the surface of the pottery. In such cases, adjustments to glaze application or silicon carbide concentration may be necessary to achieve the desired results while avoiding unwanted imperfections.
Lava glaze pottery is a unique ceramic technique that offers distinctive colors, texture patterns, and durability. Its high-fired process ensures longevity and strength, while the one-of-a-kind glaze blends and muted earth tones provide a sophisticated appeal. The use of silicon carbide adds bubbly and textured finishes, further contributing to this pottery’s charm. Whether displayed as decorative art or used in everyday settings, lava glaze pottery is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of Vietnamese pottery artists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lava glaze?
A lava glaze is a type of glaze that, when fired in a cone 6 oxidation firing, creates a unique and visually captivating textured finish. By incorporating silicon carbide into the glaze, the firing process produces vapors that ultimately generate a bubbly and rough surface. This addition of silicon carbide ensures that the glaze reliably transforms into a lava-like appearance, making it an exciting and playful option for potters and ceramic artists.
What were the four main glaze types used in early ceramics?
During the early stages of ceramics, four main glaze types emerged as prominent choices for artists: feldspathic, lead, tin, and salt. Feldspathic, lead, and salt glazes possessed a transparent quality, allowing for a luminous effect on the surface of clay objects. On the other hand, the tin glaze stood out as an opaque white alternative, adding a distinct and vibrant appearance to ceramics. These glaze types played a crucial role in shaping the aesthetic qualities of early ceramic art, paving the way for further experimentation and the advancement of glazing techniques.
What is kiln glaze?
Kiln glaze is a thin layer of melted minerals on the surface of ceramic ware that is achieved through the firing process. This process involves applying a liquid suspension of finely ground minerals onto bisque-fired ceramic ware. Once the glaze dries, the ware is loaded into a kiln and fired at the appropriate temperature, causing the glaze ingredients to melt and fuse together, creating a smooth and glassy surface on the ceramic piece. Kiln glazing enhances the aesthetic appeal of ceramic ware, adding color, texture, and a glossy sheen to the final product.
What is the difference between the bisque and the glaze kiln?
The bisque kiln and the glaze kiln are two separate stages in the firing process of pottery. The bisque kiln is utilized for the initial firing, where the pottery is heated to temperatures ranging from 950 to 1160 degrees Celsius (1742 to 2120 degrees Fahrenheit). This firing removes any remaining moisture from the clay, turning it into a durable substance known as bisqueware.
On the other hand, the glaze kiln is employed for the second firing, called the glaze firing. After the bisque firing, the pottery is coated with glaze, a liquid mixture that contains various minerals and colorants. In the glaze kiln, the pottery is fired at similar temperatures to the bisque kiln, but this time the purpose is to melt the glaze onto the surface of the pottery. The glaze firing results in a protective and decorative coating that enhances the aesthetics of the ceramic piece.
