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Pottery

Pottery Terms

In pottery, what does the term “crazing” refer to?

1. Cracking during firing

2. Adding a final glaze layer

3. Carving intricate patterns

4. Attaching handles

Answer


Cracking during firing

Crazing is the fine cracks that can appear in the glaze surface of pottery, often occurring due to differences in thermal expansion.

Pottery Terms

What is the process of heating pottery called?

1. Firing

2. Cooling

3. Drying

4. Glazing

Answer


Firing

Firing is the process of heating pottery to a high temperature in a kiln.

Pottery Tools

What is the purpose of the “kiln” in pottery?

1. Shaping the clay

2. Adding texture

3. Firing the pottery

4. Applying glaze

Answer


Firing the pottery

The kiln is used in pottery for firing, a process of heating the clay to high temperatures to transform it into a durable ceramic material.

Pottery Tools

What is the primary purpose of a “kiln furniture” in pottery firing?

1. Supporting the kiln structure

2. Adding texture to the pottery

3. Holding the raw materials

4. Providing a surface for firing multiple pieces

Answer


Supporting the kiln structure

Kiln furniture includes shelves and posts that support pottery during firing.

Pottery Tools

What is the primary function of a “kiln vent” in pottery firing?

1. Removing fumes and gases

2. Enhancing texture

3. Adding color to the surface

4. Controlling temperature inside the kiln

Answer


Removing fumes and gases

Kiln vents are used to remove fumes and gases produced during firing, promoting a safer working environment.

Pottery Tools

What is the primary function of a “kiln shelf” in pottery firing?

1. Adding texture to the pottery

2. Supporting the kiln structure

3. Providing a surface for firing multiple pieces

4. Controlling temperature inside the kiln

Answer


Providing a surface for firing multiple pieces

Kiln shelves provide a flat surface for stacking pottery pieces during firing.

Pottery Tools

What is the purpose of a "kiln wash" in pottery?

1. Enhance glaze adhesion

2. Prevent warping during firing

3. Facilitate even heat distribution

4. Protect the kiln shelves from glaze drips

Answer


Protect the kiln shelves from glaze drips

Kiln wash is applied to kiln shelves to protect them from glaze drips during firing. It prevents the melted glaze from sticking to and damaging the kiln shelves.

Pottery Tools

What is the purpose of the “banding wheel” in pottery?

1. Shaping clay on a wheel

2. Applying a final glaze layer

3. Creating textured surfaces

4. Facilitating even decorating and painting

Answer


Facilitating even decorating and painting

A banding wheel allows potters to rotate a piece easily, facilitating even decorating and painting.

Pottery Tools

What is the primary purpose of a “stilts” in pottery firing?

1. Adding stability to the kiln

2. Elevating pottery above the kiln shelf

3. Supporting the kiln structure

4. Holding the raw materials

Answer


Elevating pottery above the kiln shelf

Stilts are used to lift pottery above the kiln shelf to prevent it from sticking during firing.

Pottery Tools

What is the primary purpose of a “caliper” in pottery?

1. Measuring thickness of glaze

2. Measuring the diameter of pottery forms

3. Checking the temperature of the kiln

4. Applying slip to the surface

Answer


Measuring the diameter of pottery forms

Calipers are used in pottery to measure the diameter of vessels, ensuring uniformity and precision in shaping.

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