What is terra sigillata in modern studio pottery?

In contemporary studio pottery, terra sigillata refers to a technique using a very thin liquid slip made from settled clay to isolate the finest particles. When applied to unfired clay and polished, it produces a smooth shine ranging from a silky lustre to a high gloss. This modern finish differs from ancient Roman terra sigillata, which gained its glossy surface naturally without burnishing.

What we know

• Modern studio pottery terra sigillata is made by mixing most clays as a very thin liquid slip and allowing it to settle to separate out only the finest particles. [2]
• The slip can be applied to unfired clay surfaces and polished with a soft cloth or brush to achieve a shine ranging from a smooth silky lustre to a high gloss. [2]
• Ancient Roman terra sigillata did not require burnishing or polishing, whereas the modern studio technique relies on polishing to achieve its shine, and pottery in general is fired to give it a hard and durable form. [2, 4]
• The polished surface in modern studio applications can only be retained if fired within the low-fire range, losing its shine if fired higher. [2]

Where to go next

• compared withHow was ancient Roman terra sigillata manufactured?
• the bigger pictureWhat are the main types of pottery in ceramic art?
• how it workedHow do potters use kilns and kiln furniture?
• how we knowWhat role did the Arts and Crafts movement play in modern ceramics?
• whenWhat are the earliest known pottery vessels in history?
• an unexpected connectionHow does medieval medicine connect to ancient Roman tableware?The term terra sigillata historically describes both a glossy ancient Roman pottery tableware and a medieval medicinal earth bearing little images.

Sources

• [1]terra sigillata (Wikidata Q367622) · CC0 1.0
• [2]Terra sigillata · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]Ceramic art · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]Pottery · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]Saggar · CC BY-SA 4.0