Forming plastic clay by hand without the wheel, using pinching, coiling, and/or slab construction.

Hard, dense firebrick generally used only in high-stress areas of kiln (floor, burner ports, flues, bag wall) and for corrosive firing processes (salt, soda, wood).

Traditional European term for high-fired porcelain.

Refractory stoneware clay or fireclay, used in stoneware clay bodies.

Work done by effective heat transfer to wares, resulting from ramp rate, temperature and duration of firing.

Al₂O₃—2SiO₂—2H₂O Kaolin that works especially well as flashing slip for salt, soda, and wood firing, especially since Avery kaolin is no longer being mined.

High Efficiency Particulate Arrestor industrial designation that indicates that a filter or dust mask is capable of blocking microscopic particulates such as silica dust.

High-temperature firing range usually including cone 8 to cone 12, for firing stoneware or porcelain.

Decorative style originating in Moorish Spain, characterized by extremely elaborate patterning and curvilinear plant motifs; major influence on Italian majolica.

Steps constructed in walls of wood-kiln firebox in place of grates. Wood cut to proper length catches on hobs and remains suspended above coal bed, insuring quick and complete combustion.

The interior refractory surface of a kiln.

Combustible gases containing hydrogen and carbon, present in fuel gases and produced when carbon-based liquid or solid fuels are heated above kindling temperature.

Laboratory device for measuring specific gravity in slips and glazes. Does not give absolute measurement, and should be used only for comparing and reproducing results. Must be an appropriate glaze hydrometer for measuring suspensions heavier than water. Does not work well in thick glazes.