What is Biscuit Pottery?
Now, biscuit pottery isn't specific pottery meant for your biscuits, you know.. biscuits and jam anyone? But rather it's a specific type of ceramic that has gone through a specific type of process; or actually lack of process.
What process do you mean you ask, oh this sounds intriguing lets hope. Biscuit pottery, or otherwise known as Bisque pottery in some parts of Europe; is the same as any type of pottery that has been molded into form, dried, then has been fired but not yet glazed.
Basically any type of pottery that has been through the process of drying and fired in a kiln but hasn't been glazed like a donut so it isn't shiny per say.
Mostly biscuit pottery is used for figurines or portrait sculptures,think 1800's or the Victorian era
The appearance can vary, depending on what type of clay is used to mold the pottery and is separated into a few different types but the two main types are;
- Bisque porcelain
- Earthen ware
Some of you, whoever is reading out there, might already know all about the different types of pottery. Taking a wild guess here and assuming there are a few readers who don't know, you guys are in for a treat.
Pretty straight forward when you think about it, Bisque porcelain is white porcelain, that has a matte appearance and texture.
Whereas Earthenware to put it simply is clay. You know the brown or gray stuff you had to mold in art class. Earthen ware is most commonly known and seen as Terracotta, which is more porous, water absorbing pottery like a plant pot.
So there you have it, biscuit pottery like biscuits aren't glazed and absorb all the liquids! that is if your one to dunk them in your hot cuppa.
Till next time!
Roro
Photocredits:
http://www.victorianweb.org/sculpture/chantrey/1.html
https://www.hometalk.com/post/435714/media?id=78959#lb-signup