What Makes Black Pottery Black?

Black pottery refers to ceramic wares that have a black color due to the clay composition and firing techniques used during production. Unlike brightly colored glazed ceramics, black pottery obtains its color from the natural hues of the clay body and the chemistry that occurs when fired at high temperatures in a low-oxygen environment. The aesthetic of black pottery stands in stark contrast to the more common light or reddish clays used for making pottery. When polished, fired black clay acquires a glossy, glass-like finish. For centuries, potters around the world have produced black pottery using locally sourced clays and traditional firing methods.

History of Black Pottery

The origins of black pottery can be traced back over 10,000 years to prehistoric times. Early pottery was made from clay dug from the earth and fired over an open fire. This primitive firing process resulted in low temperatures that created darker colored vessels. Archeological evidence shows that black pottery was produced across many ancient cultures including Japan, China, Africa, Greece and South America.

As early as 6000 BCE, the Jomon people of ancient Japan created a unique style of pottery distinguished by its deep black and brown colors. Jomon potters shaped vessels by hand using the coil technique and fired them in outdoor bonfires fueled by vegetation, which created an uneven smoky atmosphere that naturally darkened the clay.

In ancient China, black pottery was also developed during the Neolithic period starting around 10,000 BCE. Chinese potters discovered that firing their clay at very high temperatures and then reducing the kiln’s oxygen supply during the cooling process turned the vessels black. This innovative technique allowed them to produce the first true black pottery glazes.

Clay Composition

The distinct black color of black pottery comes from the clay used to create it. Specifically, it is the iron and manganese oxides naturally present in the clay that give black pottery its dark color.

Iron oxide, which produces a rust red color, and manganese oxide, which produces a blackish-brown color, are the key ingredients for making black clay. Clays with higher amounts of these oxides will fire to a very dark gray or black color.

The clay used for black pottery often contains iron oxide levels between 8-15%. Manganese oxide levels are typically 1-5%. When these two oxides are combined at the right percentages in the clay, the result is a very deep, dark black color when fired.

Some common clays used for black pottery include black ball clay, raku clay, and volcanic clays which naturally contain higher levels of iron and manganese oxides. Selecting a clay body with an abundant amount of these oxides is the first step in achieving a true black finish.

Firing Process

The high temperatures and special firing conditions used to create black pottery result in its distinctive dark coloration. Most ceramic ware is fired in an oxidizing atmosphere, which allows free oxygen circulation inside the kiln. But black pottery is fired in a reducing atmosphere, which limits the amount of oxygen reaching the pottery pieces.

Reduction firing requires tightly sealing the kiln and restricting air flow. This reduction environment strips oxygen atoms from the clay body and any colorant materials, changing their molecular structure. Iron and carbon compounds in the clay are altered, causing them to turn black. The pottery must be fired at very high temperatures, usually over 2,000°F, to fully reduce the clay and set the black color.

Mastering the complex reduction firing process is one of the challenges for black pottery artists. The technique demands careful control over the kiln atmosphere and heat levels. Achieving the right conditions to produce a lustrous, opaque black finish requires extensive experience and skill.

Glazes and Slips

Glazes and slips are an important part of achieving the signature black color in black pottery. Glazes provide the smooth, glass-like coating on the surface of the clay, while slips create a matte background underneath the glaze.

Dark glazes that produce black surfaces include iron oxide, cobalt oxide, copper oxide, and manganese dioxide glazes. Iron oxide glazes are the most common and react with the high firing atmosphere to create black hematite crystals on the surface. Cobalt oxide also produces black coloring due to the cobalt combining with silica in the clay. Copper and manganese oxides provide a blackish-brown color.

Terra sigillata is a refined clay slip that burns away during firing, leaving a velvety black finish. It is made by processing and refining clay until only the finest particles remain. This allows the terra sigillata to absorb into the clay body, creating a smooth black surface when fired at high temperatures. Modern potters also use commercial black clay slips for similar effects.

Decoration

Black pottery often features decorative techniques like carving, incising, and stamping to create patterns and textures. Carving involves using a sharp tool to cut into the clay surface before firing. Geometric patterns, animal shapes, and plant forms are common carved designs. Incising also involves cutting into the clay, but with a narrow sharp tool to make fine lines and grooves. Incising can create delicate images or be used to accent carved areas. Stamping imprints a design by pressing a tool or object into the soft clay.geometric stamps, rope stamps, and natural materials like leaves can be used. Stamping adds quick repetitive details. These decorative techniques add visual interest, reflect cultural designs, and showcase the potter’s skill.

Styles and Forms

Black pottery encompasses a diverse range of styles and forms from around the world. Two of the most significant are Japanese raku and African pottery.

Japanese raku originated in the 16th century and involves removing pottery from the kiln while still glowing hot and placing it into containers with combustible materials like sawdust or leaves. This produces cracking patterns and carbon deposits on the surface, giving raku its distinctive black color. Raku is often used for tea bowls and other vessels.

In Africa, black pottery has been created for centuries across the continent for practical and ceremonial purposes. Techniques like pit firing, smoking, and burnishing are used to darken vessels and sculptures. West African pottery is renowned for its intricate patterns and designs, while central African pottery often features figurative forms.

Notable Potters

Black pottery has been created by artisans around the world for centuries. Here are some of the most famous black pottery artists that have helped develop and popularize this unique ceramic ware:

Maria Martinez – One of the most famous Native American potters of the 20th century, Maria Martinez was part of the San Ildefonso Pueblo tribe in New Mexico. She helped revive traditional black pottery techniques of her tribe and developed a signature black-on-black style.

Hamada Shoji – A key figure in the mingei folk-art movement in Japan, Hamada Shoji became known for his rough, hand-thrown black vessels glazed with a natural wood-ash finish. His work greatly influenced the aesthetics of modern Japanese pottery.

David Roberts – A British studio potter, David Roberts is known for his thrown porcelain vessels with black manganese glazes. He helped bring a modern sensibility to traditional black pottery forms.

Toshiko Takaezu – Japanese-American ceramic artist Toshiko Takaezu created a body of work defined by her famous matte black glazes over wheel-thrown forms. Her pieces blurred the lines between functional pottery and abstract sculpture.

Mirta Morigi – An Italian artist, Mirta Morigi specializes in intricate black pottery engraved with designs, blending contemporary style with old-world craftsmanship. Her Platters and vases feature glossy black surfaces.

These and many other lesser-known artisans have helped develop black pottery from its ancient roots into a diverse range of styles today that interweave tradition, simplicity, and innovation.

Modern Use

Black pottery continues to be popular in modern home decor and as dining ware. The dark color provides an elegant, sophisticated look that many interior designers utilize. Sets of black dinnerware, serving dishes, and accessories are staples at stores like Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, and West Elm. The neutral color allows the pottery to match any style, from farmhouse chic to minimalist modern.

Black mugs, bowls, and plates have become trendy alternatives to standard white dishes. The dramatic color makes food and drinks pop visually. Black ceramic dinnerware is now commonly found in upscale restaurants and stylish homes. The color adds a touch of sophistication and intrigue to the dining experience. Black pottery works well for casual everyday meals or more formal dinner parties. It provides a blank, creative canvas for presenting food in an appealing way.

Conclusion

In conclusion, black pottery has a long and diverse history across many cultures worldwide. The techniques used to create the iconic black color, from the clay composition to firing methods, contribute to its unique aesthetic qualities. While the earliest known black pottery dates back over 20,000 years, artisans today continue to use both ancient and modern practices to produce stunning works. The depth and mystery of black pottery, as well as its practical durability, ensures it will remain an important ceramic tradition for years to come.

Black pottery is significant for its cultural heritage and timeless beauty. The firing techniques lead to technical innovations that allow for striking black gloss and sheen effects. As an artform, black pottery represents humankind’s drive to create meaningful objects that reflect the spirit of the times. Continued interest from collectors, museums, and contemporary makers proves the enduring appeal and importance of this ancient craft.