What Is Salt Glazed Pottery
Salt glazed pottery refers to a type of stoneware that is made using a particular glazing technique.
It was popular in England from the late 17th to the 18th centuries and served as a more affordable alternative to porcelain.
There are different types of salt glazed pottery, including dipped white salt glaze and white-bodied white salt glaze, each used for different purposes.
Various molding techniques were used to create intricately shaped vessels, and different decorative attributes were added to the pottery.
Salt glaze stoneware can be distinguished by its pitted “orange peel” surface and was produced in various parts of the UK and North America.
It originated in Germany and spread to England and Colonial America.
Salt glaze pottery production declined in the 20th century due to environmental regulations.
Did You Know?
1. Salt glazed pottery is a technique that dates back to the 14th century, originating in Germany. It was primarily used for creating stoneware, such as jugs, crocks, and bottles.
2. The term “salt glazed” refers to the process of adding salt to the kiln during the firing. This creates a chemical reaction that gives the pottery its distinctive orange-peel-like texture and glossy surface.
3. Salt glazed pottery gets its name from the fact that the primary ingredient in salt glaze is common table salt, also known as sodium chloride. The salt vapor reacts with the clay body at high temperatures, causing the surface to become vitrified and non-porous.
4. One interesting fact about salt glazed pottery is that the salt used during the firing process doesn’t actually color the pottery itself. Instead, it reacts with the silica in the clay, creating a thin layer of glass on the surface, which gives the piece its unique appearance.
5. Salt glazed pottery was not only valued for its aesthetic appeal but also for its practicality. The salt glaze created a waterproof barrier, making the pottery ideal for storing liquids and preserving food. In fact, it was commonly used to make fermentation crocks, which were used for pickling vegetables and making sauerkraut.
Introduction To Salt-Glazed Pottery
Salt-glazed pottery is a remarkable type of stoneware that showcases a distinct pitted “orange peel” surface, adding depth and character to the vessels. This pottery gained popularity in England from around 1685 to 1785, reaching its peak between approximately 1720 and 1770. Salt-glazed stoneware was a more affordable alternative to porcelain and replaced tin-glazed earthenware during this period.
One of the most well-known styles of salt-glazed pottery is dipped white salt glaze stoneware. This particular style features tan or gray pastes that are slipped with white, giving the surface a whiter appearance. These vessels often have a brown oxide coating in certain areas, enhancing their distinct aesthetic. The production of dipped white salt glaze stoneware originated in Fulham, London, in the mid-1690s. Soon after, Staffordshire potters began replicating the influential Fulham pieces, imitating them by the late 1690s and early 18th century.
Types And Techniques Of Salt Glazing
Salt glazed pottery encompasses a variety of forms and techniques. It includes dipped white salt glaze, white-bodied white salt glaze, wheel-thrown vessels, press-molded vessels, and slip-cast vessels. These techniques and vessel forms were used during different periods to create distinct shapes and styles.
The dipped white salt glaze technique emerged in the 1690s and remained popular throughout the 18th century for producing hollow vessels. On the other hand, the white-bodied white salt glaze technique gained dominance in production from the 1720s onwards, thanks to the availability of white-firing ball clay. This technique was particularly utilized for making tea, table, and chamberwares.
Wheel-thrown vessels, which saw use from approximately 1690 to 1780, allowed for the creation of cylindrical and circular objects. Press-molded vessels, introduced around 1740, were employed to make flat and hollow items. Additionally, slip-cast vessels emerged around the same time and allowed for the production of hollow vessels. These various molding techniques enabled artisans to craft intricately shaped vessels, making them especially popular for items like teapots.
- Dipped white salt glaze technique
- White-bodied white salt glaze technique
- Wheel-thrown vessels
- Press-molded vessels
- Slip-cast vessels
Evolution Of Salt Glazed Pottery In England And North America
Salt glaze pottery had a significant influence in Europe and North America during the 17th and 18th centuries. The production of salt glaze stoneware originated in Germany in the late 17th century and quickly gained popularity in England. It also found favor in Colonial America, where it was produced from the 1740s to the 1820s and used to create various items such as:
- Flasks
- Cups
- Saucers
- Teapots
- Cream pots
- Chamber pots
During its evolution, salt glaze pottery underwent several decorative transformations. Scratch brown patterns and various molding patterns were introduced to enhance the visual appeal of the vessels. North American salt glaze pottery showcased a range of decorative techniques, including:
- Scratch blue designs
- Debased scratch blue
- Littler-Wedgwood Blue
- Molded rim plates
- Overglaze enamel painting
- Transfer printing
- Rustication
Overall, salt glaze pottery played a crucial role in shaping European and North American ceramic traditions during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Production Centers For Salt Glaze Stoneware
Throughout history, several notable production centers emerged for salt glaze stoneware. Fulham Pottery, operated by John Dwight, played a significant role as a prominent producer of salt glaze pottery in England during the late 17th century. Another notable center was Lambeth in London, where salt glaze stoneware production thrived in the 1800s following the establishment of Doulton and Watts Pottery. Doulton produced not only salt glaze stoneware for sewer pipes, electrical insulators, and the chemical industry but also decorative stoneware known as “Doulton Ware.”
In addition to England, salt glaze stoneware was produced in Norwich, Connecticut during the early years of American pottery production. This further showcases the spread and popularity of salt glaze pottery across different regions.
Contemporary Usage And Variations Of Salt Glaze Pottery
The production and usage of salt glaze pottery have faced a decline in recent years due to environmental regulations. However, this traditional pottery technique still holds a significant place in contemporary ceramic art and craft.
During the 20th century, salt glaze pottery gained popularity not only in Japan but also in various American universities. However, it is important to note that its usage and production have diminished considerably compared to its historical prevalence.
Despite this decline, contemporary artists and potters continue to experiment with salt glazing techniques and adapt them to modern aesthetics. There have also been emerging alternatives such as soda firing, a technique that uses soda ash and/or sodium bicarbonate instead of salt, which can produce similar effects. These adaptations ensure that salt glaze pottery remains relevant and appreciated in the contemporary art world, although on a smaller scale than in its historical prime.
In summary, salt glaze pottery has a rich history that dates back to its origins in Germany during the late 17th century. It found its peak popularity in England and Colonial America during the 17th and 18th centuries, significantly enriching the ceramic traditions of these regions. With its characteristic pitted “orange peel” surface and unique aesthetic, salt glaze pottery continues to fascinate and captivate both enthusiasts and artisans alike.
Check this out:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my pottery is salt or glazed?
To determine whether your pottery is salt-glazed or glazed, you can examine its surface characteristics. Salt-glazed pottery has a unique appearance, with a pitted glossy surface and a distinct “orange peel” texture. This texture is created by the sodium in the salt reacting with the clay during firing, resulting in a distinctive and visually appealing finish. On the other hand, glazed pottery typically has a smooth and shiny surface with a uniform appearance, as a glaze is a coating of glass-like material that melts and fuses with the clay during firing. By closely observing the texture and surface finish of your pottery, you can identify whether it is salt-glazed or glazed.
What is a salt glaze in ceramics?
A salt glaze in ceramics refers to a specific glaze technique that creates a unique texture resembling an orange peel on stoneware. This distinct texture is achieved by introducing common salt into the kiln at the highest temperature. When salt is thrown into the kiln, the sodium in the salt combines with the silica in the clay, resulting in the formation of a glassy coating known as sodium silicate. This technique adds an interesting visual and tactile element to the ceramic piece, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal.
What is the meaning of salt glazing?
Salt glazing is a fascinating technique used in pottery that involves the use of common salt to create a unique glaze. As the kiln reaches its peak temperature, salt is vaporized and reacts with the silicates in the pottery. This reaction forms a coating of glassy acid-resistant mixed silicate of sodium and aluminum, resulting in a distinctive and beautiful glaze. This ancient method not only provides aesthetic appeal but also enhances the durability of the pottery by creating a protective layer. Salt glazing is therefore both an artistic and practical application in pottery.
When was salt glazed pottery made?
Salt glazed pottery was first made around the year 1400 in Germany. Over the centuries, this technique gained popularity and made its way across Europe to England. In the 1600s, it arrived in Colonial America where it became the dominant form of domestic pottery from the 17th to the 19th century.