So, what exactly is that colourful, shiny or beautifully matt surface on a ceramic pot?

Glaze is a specially formulated mixture of materials that melts during firing and forms a glass-like coating over the clay.

It can make a pot waterproof, change its appearance and add colour, texture and depth.

There are countless glaze recipes and an enormous variety of finishes. Some are designed to be bright and glossy, while others create soft matt surfaces, subtle speckles or dramatic variations.

Potters can also combine glazes, layer them, brush them on, dip pieces into them or experiment with different application techniques.

And the interesting bit? The glaze you see in a potter’s studio isn’t necessarily the glaze you’ll see on the finished pot.

The kiln does the final work.

That’s why glazing is such an important part of ceramic experimentation — and why potters often have shelves full of little test tiles!