How Has Pottery Changed Over Time?

Pottery is defined as vessels or objects made from clay that have been shaped, fired, and hardened. The history of pottery dates back over 20,000 years to when early humans began storing, cooking, and transporting food in clay vessels. Over time, pottery has evolved from basic functional wares to decorative art objects. This article will examine some of the key innovations and changes in materials, techniques, styles, and functions of pottery throughout history.

Some of the major ways pottery has transformed include developments in clay preparation, throwing and shaping techniques, kilns and firing methods, glazing, new styles and aesthetic preferences, specialization of functional wares, and the emergence of pottery as an art form. By looking at pottery chronologically we can see how technologies, trade, cultural influences and artistic movements have shaped pottery over time. While the earliest pots were hand molded, pottery wheels enabled faster and more uniform production. The application of glazes and invention of kilns allowed potters to produce colorful, durable wares. As cultures interacted, new techniques spread. Pottery evolved from a basic survival material to become highly specialized functional wares, then decorative art pieces reflecting style preferences. Today pottery persists as both functional craft and elevate artform.

Origins of Pottery

The earliest known pottery vessels have been discovered at sites in China and date back 20,000-19,000 years ago to the Late Paleolithic period. In 2012, fragments of pottery dating to 20,000-19,000 years ago were found at the Xianrendong Cave site in China, several thousand years earlier than the previous oldest known pottery [1]. Other early pottery has been uncovered at Yuchanyan Cave in China dated to 18,000-17,000 years ago [2]. These oldest vessels were made from clay, sometimes mixed with stone temper, and fired at low temperatures.

Early pottery was made by hand, without the potter’s wheel, and styles were very simple and functional. Decorations like cord markings and stamping were added to some early pottery. Pottery emerged as early hunter-gatherer groups began to settle in one area and tread the transition to agriculture. Pottery allowed for new ways to store, cook, and transport food and materials.

Developments in Materials

The raw materials used in pottery have evolved significantly over time. Early pottery was made from basic clay dug from the ground and water. As civilizations advanced, potters began to experiment with different clay compositions, processing techniques, and additives to improve the workability, durability and aesthetics of their wares.

The introduction of glazes and paints marked a major advancement in pottery. Archaeological evidence shows that glazes first emerged around 3000 BC in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Glazes transform plain clay into glossy, waterproof vessels. They also allow for colorful decorative effects. Over centuries, potters innovated countless glaze recipes and application methods.

Clay preparation also became more sophisticated. Potters learned to blend different clay types and refine raw clay into smooth, consistent slips. Innovations like the potter’s wheel enabled faster, more uniform clay shaping. Firing technology advanced from basic bonfires to carefully engineered kilns that could reach over 2000°F to vitrify clay and glazes.

Today, ceramists draw on millennia of materials knowledge while also adopting new approaches. For example, researchers recently developed high-strength glass nanolattices using DNA origami scaffolds coated in silica. Such novel composites expand the capabilities of ceramic materials.

Wheel Throwing

The potter’s wheel revolutionized how pottery was made. While early pottery was made by hand, the wheel enabled much more uniform and symmetrical pottery to be produced efficiently. The earliest evidence of the potter’s wheel dates back to Mesopotamia around 3500 BCE (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potter%27s_wheel). However, it was initially only used by elite potters and was not widely adopted for centuries.

Wheel throwing has several key advantages over hand building techniques. It allows potters to center and shape clay into symmetrical forms with thinner walls and elegant curves. The spinning motion helps shape uniform vessels with refined surface textures. Multiple pieces can be produced quickly and with consistency. The wheel elevates pottery making into a true craft requiring practiced skills.

Over time, potter’s wheels evolved from a simple turntable operated by hand to kick wheels powered by foot pedals. Eventually wheels incorporating flywheels and gears were developed, allowing maintaining momentum while forming vessels. Electrically powered wheels became common in the 20th century. Adjustable wheelheads and variable speed controls gave potters more flexibility.

Kilns and Firing

Early potters fired their wares in open fires, which did not allow precise control over temperatures. Over time, kilns emerged as a key innovation for firing pottery. Some of the earliest kilns were pit kilns dug into the ground. These allowed better heat containment and temperature control. By the 13th century BCE, Ancient Egyptian potters used updraft kilns constructed of brick.

Kiln technology advanced significantly in medieval China during the Song Dynasty around 1000 CE. Chinese potters developed advanced climbing kilns that allowed firing at very high temperatures. This enabled stunning glaze effects in Chinese porcelain.

Gas and electric kilns emerged as major innovations by the 20th century (Electric kilns: How an old technology is key to our climate future). These kilns allow precise computerized control of temperatures. Modern potters can program firing cycles tailored to their clay bodies and glazes. Kilns today can reach over 2300°F to fire the most durable high-fire ceramics.

Forms and Functions

The forms and functions of pottery have evolved over time to suit different needs. In early pottery, vessel shapes were primarily based on utility and holding or storing foods, liquids and other materials. Basic shapes like bowls, jars, bottles and pots emerged across ancient cultures for practical daily uses according to Encyclopedia Britannica.

As techniques advanced, pottery became an art form and method of creative expression beyond just function. More elaborate vessel shapes developed for ceremonial and ritual purposes, including chalices, goblets and incense burners. Stylized animal vessels and sculptural pieces reflected religious and cultural beliefs. The Chinese dragon jar and Greek amphora became iconic vessel shapes, identified with their respective cultures according to Sotheby’s.

Architectural and decorative ceramics also emerged, such as tiles, murals and statues. While maintaining utilitarian aims, pottery evolved into diverse art forms, ranging from minimalist to ornate decorative styles reflecting cultural values and artistic movements.

Regional Styles

Pottery styles often developed unique regional characteristics based on the local materials and cultural influences available. In North America, the Fort Ancient culture produced distinct regional pottery styles during the early and middle periods around 1000-1400 CE. Research shows that pottery during the Middle Period was often decorated with geometric motifs like guilloche and line-filled triangles, typified by the Anderson style wares common in some areas (Source).

In ancient Greece, pottery styles emerged with distinctions between locations like Athens, Corinth, and Sparta around 650-600 BCE. The styles can be grouped into four main types, including regional black figure, black glaze, Proto-Corinthian, and Corinthian wares. The development of these styles was influenced by trade networks and cultural connections across different city-states and regions (Source).

Overall, regional pottery styles showcase both unique local artistic traditions and the widespread cultural exchange facilitated by trade. Stylistic innovations and techniques often spread via diffusion between regional centers of pottery production.

Notable Potters and Movements

Individual potters have made important innovations and contributions to the field of pottery. Josiah Wedgwood was an English potter who industrialized pottery production and modernized ceramic manufacturing in the 18th century. He pioneered quality control measures and was known for his refinement of the craft.

Bernard Leach was an English studio potter who promoted traditional Japanese and Chinese methods. He emphasized simplicity and naturalness in forms and glazes, establishing the Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall. Leach played a central role in the resurgence of studio pottery in Britain in the 20th century.

Lucie Rie was an Austrian-British potter who escaped Nazi Europe and settled in London. She was known for her sensitive surfaces and refined, modernist forms. Rie’s aesthetic greatly influenced studio ceramics in the mid 20th century.

Important schools and movements also developed. The Bauhaus school incorporated pottery into its curriculum, emphasizing clean, modern designs. In post-war Britain, the studio pottery movement gained prominence, focusing on handmade production. In the United States, the university ceramics programs at Alfred University and Ohio State became centers of ceramic activity and new approaches in the mid 20th century.

The avant-garde Funk art movement originated in California in the 1950s, promoting playful, quirky forms. Starting in the 1960s, Abstract Expressionism and other modern art movements influenced cutting-edge ceramic artists to explore radical new shapes and expressive techniques.

Pottery in the Modern Era

Since the mid-20th century, many modern potters have focused on embracing contemporary techniques using new materials like epoxy, resins, and various experimental mixes (Sheldon Ceramics). Modern pottery explores new forms beyond traditional bowls, vases, and tableware. Some consider contemporary pottery an art form rather than a craft, creating sculptural pieces with abstract shapes and designs (Pinterest). While traditional wheel throwing continues, many studios incorporate digital modeling, 3D printing, and industrial processes. The lines between art, design, and function become blurred as some potters emphasize conceptual ideas over utility. Ceramics appears in major art shows and galleries alongside other media. At the same time, the handmade quality retains importance, celebrated through imperfect surfaces and finishing effects like raku firing. Overall, modern pottery balances past traditions with innovative perspectives and processes.

Conclusion

Pottery has undergone significant changes and innovations over the course of human history. From its beginnings as basic unglazed earthenware to the development of stoneware, porcelain and advanced glazes, pottery technology has continuously advanced.

Some of the biggest developments include the invention of the potter’s wheel, which revolutionized how pottery was formed, and the creation of kilns for firing pottery at higher temperatures. Regional styles also emerged, with distinctive types of pottery originating from places like ancient Greece, China, Japan and medieval Europe.

In modern times, pottery continues to evolve with new styles, materials and techniques. The Arts and Crafts movement helped revive interest in handmade, artisanal pottery. Some trends to look out for are increased use of alternative materials like paperclay and hybrid materials, more experimentation with 3D-printing technology, as well as sustainability practices and energy-efficient kilns.

While pottery has always been an essential craft, it remains an enduring and innovative artform. As technology progresses, potters will keep pushing the boundaries of their medium and finding new means of artistic expression.