Earthenware is low-fired pottery clay, usually glaze fired around cone 06 to 04 (about 1000 to 1060 °C). It stays porous after firing, so it needs glaze to hold water, and is often red terracotta, though white and buff earthenwares exist.
What Is Earthenware?
Earthenware is the oldest kind of pottery and still one of the most popular, from garden pots to brightly glazed tableware. Digitalfire defines it as clay fired at cone 010 to 04. Because it never fully vitrifies, it absorbs water, commonly 10% or more, and is softer and more prone to chipping than stoneware.
Its strengths are workability and colour. Earthenware clays are usually smooth and plastic, kind to beginners, and low-fire glazes and underglazes give bright, saturated colours that are hard to match at higher temperatures. Low firings also use less electricity and suit small kilns.
For functional ware, the glaze must cover every surface that touches food or drink, fit the clay without crazing, and be rated by its maker for food use. Earthenware should never be fired to stoneware temperatures, where it can bloat, slump or melt onto the kiln shelf and damage other work. Many potters love it for planters, tiles and decorative pieces where its warmth and colour shine.
This pottery glossary entry from Le Studio Art Space is general educational content. Always follow the clay, glaze and kiln makers’ data for your own materials and equipment.