Material
Glaze
A glass-forming layer fired onto ceramics to add colour, sheen, texture or a less porous surface.
- Category
- Material
- Index letter
- G
Understanding the term
A glaze's minerals react with the clay, temperature and kiln atmosphere, so the same recipe can produce different results. Crazing, runs, pinholes and colour shifts may be intended effects, process marks or faults depending on the object.
Glaze is more than the name of a raw material. It affects form, weight, surface, durability and the way an object ages, making it central to both experience and assessment.
Look for variation in colour and texture, joins, wear and later repairs. Natural evidence of making and age should be distinguished from damage; that distinction is essential when describing older art and design.
Related entries
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