The Glazing Technique Of French Potters In Provence

Glazing refers to the specific type of coating practices that will not only add glazes but also make an item waterproof. The historic record of such coating practice indicates that potters in Provence, France, were the first known people who had applied it in their pottery. At ancient time, they used to make earthenware. However, these earthenware items quickly absorb water and cause frequent damage. Thus, the need for an extra coating to fight back the absorbency of clay arose.

The potters of Provence used a special technique to solve the problem. They tried to crystallize the outer cover of the earthenware with silica. They applied heat on the earthenware in the presence of Ferrous Oxide. This resulted in hardened outer shell of the earthenware without causing any deviation to its shape. Later the glazing technique received much improvisation and resulted in two forms of glazer, powder and liquid.

At the earlier period, the potters applied the liquid glazers with brush on the kitchenware. They coated both sides of a kitchenware and placed it in a kiln. A kiln is a high temperature oven where they kept the kitchenware for certain time. Once the curing phase was over, they left it for cooling and heat seating. As the kitchenware started to release its heat in the air, the coating started to harden itself. After sometimes, it became completely glazy. This practice has later spread to the rest of the parts of Europe and other continents.

When the potters from Provence, mastered the art of glazing at ease, they started customizing it. New form of glazes like under glaze, over glaze and double glaze started to appear in the scene. The glazing technique that only gives the waterproof physical property to kitchenware is known as under glaze. The technique that involves waterproof physical property along with beauty look from both side of a kitchenware is known as over glaze. Double glaze is another technique where any ornamentation, design or print on a kitchenware gets a reality look. Potters regulated and controlled different elements, influencers and conditions to bring out their desired glaze.

Ideally, the glazing appeared as a technique to increase the performance life and durability of pottery items that earthenware. However, later engineering advancement has contributed to these techniques. Moreover, nowadays it is very much possible to get glazed stoneware. The glazes you see on porcelain and ceramic wares are much similar though the production process of modern day ceramic is much different and heavily industrialized.

You may know the aesthetic appeal of pottery from Provence. However, you may not know the technical aspects associated with them. Knowing these technical matters can help you to choose right French pottery for your needs.

By: Caz

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