It has been taking me forever to finally figure out the plain difference between ‘Pottery’ and ‘Ceramics’.
Pottery or ceramics? I wanted a straight answer, but every explanation pulled me deeper into a haze of clay jargon and half-finished truths. What I needed was a breakdown coupled with real examples, not just riddles.
So here it is: clear, illustrated, and finally making sense (to me, and that’s the most important, ha!).
‘pottery’ and ‘ceramics’: same clay, but different purpose
Both ‘Pottery’ and ‘Ceramics’ involve shaping some sort of earthy mud (yes, that’s clay), then firing it until it becomes something solid (and hopefully beautiful). They share that common ground, and that’s especially where the confusion begins.
what makes ceramics… ceramics
QUICK THEORY
Ceramics is the big umbrella. The focus here is on:
- material (what it’s made of)
- technique (how it’s fired)
but not necessarily on function (what it’s used for).
For example
Sculptures? Tiles? Sinks, toilets, decorative wall pieces that cost more than your rent? All ceramics.
And yes, indeed, that includes pots (as in ‘pot’tery).
what makes pottery… pottery
QUICK THEORY
Pottery is a specific branch of Ceramics. Hence, the focus here is on:
- function
- function
- function
For example
Everyday vessels, mugs, bowls, plates, jugs, vases designed to actually hold flowers, not just existential symbolism.
Pottery’s purpose is use — eating, drinking, pouring, storing. Eventually, think tableware and kitchenware.
Even if your scrumptiously posh gold-glazed cup lives on its shelf forever, if it could be used, it still counts as pottery.
‘pottery’ vs ‘ceramics’: quick recap
Here’s your cheatsheet:
All pottery is ceramics, but not all ceramics are pottery.
A vase that holds flowers? Pottery.
A vase-shaped sculpture that holds only meaning? Ceramics.
A dish for olives? Pottery.
A tiled mural of dishes of olives? Ceramics.
A teapot with a lid and handle? Pottery.
A sculptural teapot that leaks or can’t pour? Ceramics.
A ceramic lamp base? Ceramics.
A ramekin used to bake crème brûlée? Pottery.
A toilet? Technically (industrial) ceramics. Let’s just not call it a pot!
[…] What’s the difference between ‘pottery’ and ‘ceramics’?Not as obvious as it sounds. Think function vs material — and yes, toilets count as ceramics. ► Read the full answer […]