[Clayart] earthenware dishes,

[David Woof]

Mel's simple answer can be followed by several additional simple answers.
While true old-time earthenware was not formulated to be fired to vitrification, formulating a dense body coupled with, as mel said, a tight-fitting lead glaze and subsequent hand washing and towel drying serving well for an enduring earthenware.
Let's also remember the terracotta architectural decorative works on the outsides of buildings and the
terracotta tiles still gracing floors and walls all over the Mediterranean and Mid-east cultures.

In many cultures, ancient and new, where earthenware was/is not glazed, pine pitch and various plant resins are soaked into the still hot from the fire pottery.   Soaking the vessel with Milk is/was also used, as the milk casein (a calcium phosphate) soaked into the vessel or dish body and so prevented absorption of liquids from food and beverages and subsequent leakage.
Might sound unsavory and less than sanitary by some folks current thinking, but one might well read the label on a modern commercial food package or visit a Jolly Good food or meat packing plant before turning up the nose over what has sustained cultures for thousands of years.

As of now I'm enjoying my stoneware production, but when the stuff coming down the pipe really hits the fan, I'm living on a mountain of earthenware clay and won't hesitate to roll out the kick wheel, mount up and make quality earthenware vessels of domestic utility.

Come sit by my fire...we'll have some flax golden tales to spin.........from Shel Silverstein's "Where the Sidewalk Ends"

Misneach,
David Woof......................................................................................................................................
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From: Clayart <clayart-bounces at lists.clayartworld.com> on behalf of mel jacobson <melpots at mail.com>
Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2022 7:57 PM
To: clay art <clayart at lists.clayartworld.com>
Subject: [Clayart] earthenware dishes,

the simple answer may be...a tight fitting colorful glaze.
I am sure that a great deal of those dime store dishes had
lead based glazes.

Think of all the small hand made dishes made by school kids.
Glazes from AMACO.  Kilns fired to like 06-08
Remember flesh colored glaze and band aides.???

Many of those treasures are still in boxes in attics all over
America.  (and think of the U.K., Earthenware was very popular.)

Those dishes were cared for, hand washed and dried with a towel.
I can see those lovely tea cups, hand painted flowers.

I have wanted to spend a year just making colorful earthenware.
I might just do that.
mel
A memory:  Sharlene and I drove up the East coast of England.
Stopped at Fred Nettleship's home. (cane handles.)  Yarmouth.
Had tea in soft pink cups, earthenware. He was a lovely man. His wife poured tea.
A note from Fred. "May our crafts blend together with beauty and
harmony".  Fred.

website: www.melpots.com<http://www.melpots.com>
www.melpots.com/CLAYART.HTML<http://www.melpots.com/CLAYART.HTML>

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