Ceramics is the collective term for everything made from fired clay. When clay is shaped and then heated at high temperatures, it transforms into a hard, durable, and waterproof material. This process, turning soft earth into solid stone, is at the heart of ceramics. So it’s baked clay, simple right?

The term ceramics comes from the Greek word keramos, which literally means “earth” or “potter’s clay.” For thousands of years, ceramics have been used for pots, tableware, sculptures, and building materials. Today, it is not only functional but also an important part of modern design, appearing in nearly every home.

Not all ceramics are the same. There are three main types: earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain. They mainly differ in composition, firing temperature, and appearance.

Earthenware
Earthenware is the softest type and is fired at lower temperatures (around 1000°C). It is porous, which means it is not completely waterproof without a glaze. Think of rustic pots, tableware, and decorative objects with a natural look. It appears sturdy and robust but is the softest form of ceramics.

Stoneware
Stoneware falls between earthenware and porcelain in terms of properties. It is fired at higher temperatures (around 1250°C), making it stronger and more resistant to water and heat. Many ceramic artists prefer working with stoneware because it is robust yet refined in appearance and easier to paint.

Porcelain
Porcelain is the most refined and dense form of ceramics. It is fired at the highest temperatures (up to 1400°C) and contains kaolin, a pure type of clay that gives it its characteristic white color. Porcelain is more difficult to work with but produces the most elegant results. It is widely used for tableware.

Together, these three types form the foundation of the ceramic world, each with its own character, strength, and applications.

One of the biggest advantages of ceramics is its versatility. The material can take almost any form, from ceramic vases, plates, and mugs to wall objects and candle holders. Makers have endless opportunities to express their creativity when crafting ceramic pieces. Ceramics are both functional and decorative, combining craftsmanship with artistry.

In addition to its artistic value, there are many practical benefits:

• Heat resistant: Ceramics can withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for tableware, cookware, or oven-safe dishes.
• Scratch and stain resistant: Its hard surface is durable and easy to clean. It is a strong material that resists scratches.
• Durable and low-maintenance: Ceramics last for many years without special care and retain their color and shine.
• Hygienic: The smooth, non-porous surface does not absorb odors or bacteria.
• Weather resistant: Many ceramic objects can also be used outdoors thanks to their UV and frost resistance.

In short, ceramics combine beauty, strength, and practicality like no other material.

Making ceramics is a craft that requires precision, technique, and above all, patience. It all starts with a lump of clay. The clay is first shaped into the desired form, carefully dried, and then fired at high temperatures. Often, it is then coated with a layer of glaze and fired again, giving it its final strength, color, and shine.

There are several ways to shape ceramics, each with its own character and appearance. The most well-known technique is wheel throwing. In this method, the clay is placed on a spinning wheel and centered and shaped by hand. This technique requires a lot of skill and experience but produces perfectly symmetrical forms, such as bowls, vases, or mugs.

Another common method is mold casting. Liquid clay (also called slip) is poured into a plaster mold. The plaster gradually absorbs moisture from the clay, leaving a thin layer along the inside of the mold. Once this layer is firm enough, the mold is removed, leaving an identical hollow form. This technique is often used for tableware or mugs because it is ideal for creating multiple identical pieces.

Finally, clay can be hand-built, a freer and more intuitive method. The results are often organic and unique, with visible marks of the making process that add to the charm of the piece.

Once the shape is complete, the piece is finished. First, it is bisque-fired at a lower temperature (around 1000°C). Then it can be glazed. The glaze adds color, shine, and waterproofing, after which the piece is fired again at a higher temperature. This second firing transforms the clay into a durable, strong, and timeless ceramic object that can last for generations.

Anyone who wants to start working with ceramics quickly discovers that good tools make the difference between frustration and success. Depending on the technique you use, you’ll need different tools.

The foundation of ceramics is, of course, clay. It’s important to choose the right type for what you want to make. For a robust, handmade look, earthenware is ideal, it has character and a crafted feel. If you want plates or coffee mugs that you can later paint or glaze, stoneware is an excellent choice: strong, durable, and suitable for everyday use. For refined, elegant results, such as luxury tableware or decorative pieces, porcelain is the perfect fit.

If you work on a potter’s wheel, you naturally need a wheel and other tools that help shape and finish round objects. Think of wires to cut pieces off the wheel, wooden ribs to shape the walls, and sponges to smooth the surface while throwing.

For hand-building techniques, where you work with rolls or slabs of clay, you use different tools. A rolling pin helps roll the clay evenly. Cutting knives and modeling tools add texture or patterns to the surface. Slip (liquid clay) is essential for securely joining parts together, particularly in hand-built sculptures or vases.

For mold casting, you mainly need casting clay, plaster molds, and a sieve to prevent lumps. A measuring cup or mixing bowl helps achieve the right consistency, and a rubber mallet can help remove air bubbles from the mold.

Finally, a ceramic kiln is essential for all techniques. Without firing, clay will not become ceramic. Many hobbyists have their pieces fired at a nearby ceramic studio, but those who work more often may invest in their own kiln.

Ceramics have endless applications, from minimalist design objects to handmade works of art. Here are 5 ceramic creations from the Davinis collection: