What is porcelain and why is the Plasticity of clay important. The latest edition of the Dinnerware Ceramics Glossary. The letters P to R.

Parian

Unglazed fine-grained porcelain.

Pearlware

Cream ware with a bluish tinge.

Peephole

A small observation hole in the wall or door of a kiln.

Pinch

Manipulate clay with your fingers in your palm to a hollow shape. Pinch pots are a popular beginners project.

Plasticity

The quality of clay. The better it can be manipulated into different shapes without cracking or breaking, the better the quality.

Porcelain

Term for a vitrified, translucent and white material. It has a transparent glaze. In Britain the term is used to distinguish the ware from bone China. Porcelain normally refers to ware made from a feldspathic body.

Potters Wheel

A device with either a manual (foot powered) or an electric rotating wheel head. The Potters tool to sit at and make pottery forms.

Pug mill

The mill, acting as a giant mincing machine, kneads, mixed and recycles the clay to emove all bubbles of air and give it an even consistency.

Pug

To mix.

Queen’s Ware

Josiah Wedgewood used this term for improved Creamware as presented to Queen Charlotte.

Reduction

Firing with no excess oxygen in the kiln - different colours can be obtained with some enamels dependant on the oxygen level present during the firing.

Redware

Red stoneware, usually unglazed and often decorated with applied motifs in relief.

Refractories

Materials which can withstand very high temperatures. For example fireclay.

Rib

A rubber, metal or wooden tool used to facilitate wheel throwing of pottery forms.