A potted history of ceramics
A brief history of pottery: from ancient clay pots to modern masterpieces.
Ceramics, those beautiful, functional pieces of art we often take for granted, have a rich history spanning thousands of years.
As a professional potter and instructor, I love diving into the fascinating evolution of this craft and often refer to it in my workshops.
Let’s take stroll through the history of ceramics, from its humble beginnings to modern-day innovations.
Ancient beginnings: the dawn of ceramics
It all started way back in prehistoric times. Early humans figured out that when they mixed clay with water and fired it, they could create sturdy vessels.
Some of the oldest ceramics date back to around 29,000 BC. These early pots, shaped by hand and usually dried in the sun, were used to store food and water.
Egypt and Mesopotamia: the birth of pottery techniques
Pottery really began to take off around 4,000 BC. The potter’s wheel was thought to be invented in Mesopotamia and it changed the game completely. It allowed for more precise and sophisticated designs.
Egyptian pottery, often decorated with intricate patterns, was used in everyday life and ritualistic ceremonies.
It was during this era that forms of glazing, adding a shiny, protective layer to creations, started.
China: where fancy porcelain began
China has a particularly rich ceramic history. Dating back to the Shang Dynasty from 1600 to 1046 BC, the Chinese were pioneers in high-fired ceramics, and invented porcelain during the Tang Dynasty (618 to 907 AD).
Porcelain, known for its delicate and luminous quality, became highly sought after.
The blue-and-white porcelain from the Ming Dynasty, for example, is still highly prized today for its beauty and craftsmanship.
Medieval Europe: from functionality to artistic flourish
In medieval Europe, pottery was pretty basic. People were expected to make the functional pots they needed for cooking and other household tasks. This meant pottery was plain and made by the people who would use it.
But things got more interesting during the Renaissance, a time of artistic revival. It saw the introduction of tin-glazed pottery, known as majolica. This colourful and intricately designed pottery became popular in Italy and Spain and influenced styles across Europe.
Artists like Luca della Robbia in Italy and Bernard Palissy in France took pottery to new heights. Palissy’s lifelike ceramic creations and Della Robbia’s glazed terracotta sculptures demonstrated the artistic potential of the pottery.
Industrial Revolution: making lots of pots
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Industrial Revolution changed everything. Machines started making pots, so they became cheaper and more accessible.
Artisans like Josiah Wedgwood in England kept the focus on quality and innovation. His elegant creations became synonymous with fine craftsmanship, bridging the gap between art and industry.
Did you know? Wedgwood is credited with inventing modern marketing, using mail order, money back guarantees, free delivery and even the “buy one, get one free” gimmick!
20th century: fusion of innovation and tradition
The 20th century saw a blend of traditional techniques and modern experimentation.
Artists including Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró used ceramics for their avant-garde expressions while studio potters like Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada emphasised the beauty of handmade ceramics and traditional methods.
21st century: digital age and contemporary ceramics
Today, ceramics continue to evolve with a mix of ancient techniques and modern technology. Digital tools like laser cutting and 3D printing offer new possibilities for design and production.
Modern ceramic artists push the boundaries, creating everything from functional tableware to large-scale installations.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned potter, I hope this journey through time sparks your interest in exploring the endless possibilities of this wonderful craft. See details and dates for our pottery workshops.