Terms related to the making of dinnerware. From J to L.

Jigger

A machine for making flatware like plates and saucers.

Jiggering

The process of shaping flatware with a the jigger machine. A pancake of clay is sandwiched between a revolving plaster mould (which forms the front of the plate) and a metalprofile-tool (which forms the back).

Jolley

A machine for making holloware like cups and bowls.

Jolleying

The proecess of shaping cups. The mould forms the outside and the profile-tool the inside.

Kaolin

A synonym for china clay.

Kilns

Heated chambers used for baking ware. They come in different sizes. The two main types are ‘intermittent’ and ‘tunnel’ kilns.

Kiln Furniture

Refractory posts and shelves used for stacking pottery in the kiln for firing.

Kiln Wash

Mixture of Kaolin, flint and water. It is painted on one side of the kiln shelves to separate any glaze drips from the shelf.

Lead Glaze

Transparent glassy glaze using lead oxide. Used on early English soft-paste and earthen wares.

Leather Hard

Clay that is past the stage of being plastic but not yet bone dry. The clay is still damp enough to join it to other pieces using slip. Handles can be applied to mugs for instance.

Lustreware

English ceramic decoration where pigments containing minute quantities of gold or platinum are applied.

Lithographs

Transfers used to decorate ware.