Ceramics and the Body: Figurines and Sculptures

Ceramics are primarily made from clay, which is a naturally occurring material composed of fine-grained minerals and water.

Ancient Egypt is famous for its elaborate ceramic figurines, often depicting deities, pharaohs, and everyday life scenes.

Throwing is the technique of shaping clay on a potter's wheel, using centrifugal force to create symmetrical forms.

Bellarmine Jugs are distinctive ceramic jugs with grotesque faces and exaggerated features, often used as containers for wine or ale.

Glazing serves multiple purposes in ceramics, including adding color, increasing durability, creating a smooth surface, and enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.

The Ming Dynasty in China (1368-1644) is renowned for its exceptional porcelain figurines, characterized by their delicate forms and intricate detailing.

Firing is the process of subjecting ceramics to high temperatures in a kiln, causing the clay to harden and the glaze to melt and fuse.

Ancient China, particularly during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE), is known for its impressive ceramic sculptures of warriors, horses, and chariots, collectively known as the Terracotta Army.

Sgraffito, slip-trailing, and stenciling are all techniques used to create patterns and designs on ceramic surfaces, involving scratching, trailing liquid clay, and using stencils, respectively.

Netsuke are small Japanese ceramic figurines, typically carved from wood or ivory, depicting animals, mythical creatures, or everyday objects, and used as toggles to secure small items like pouches or keys.

Casting is the process of pouring liquid clay into a mold to create a ceramic form, allowing for the production of intricate and detailed shapes.

Ancient Greece is known for its production of ceramic figurines with movable limbs, often depicting deities or mythological figures.

Lustering is the process of decorating ceramic surfaces with metallic oxides or pigments, creating a shimmering or iridescent effect.

The Terracotta Army is a collection of large ceramic sculptures depicting warriors, horses, and chariots, buried with the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang.

Molding is the process of creating ceramic forms by pressing clay into a mold, allowing for the production of identical or similar pieces.