Slab-building

Definition

Slab-building is a pottery construction technique that involves shaping and assembling flat pieces of clay, known as slabs, to create various ceramic forms. This method allows for greater flexibility and creativity in design compared to traditional wheel-throwing techniques, enabling potters to produce intricate shapes and structures. The technique can be used for functional ware as well as artistic pieces, highlighting its versatility in pottery production.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Slab-building allows artisans to create larger or more complex forms than those typically achievable with wheel-throwing alone.
2. The slabs can be made using a rolling pin or slab roller to ensure consistent thickness, which is important for even drying and firing.
3. This technique often incorporates various joining methods, such as scoring and slipping, to securely attach the slabs together.
4. Slab-built pieces can be decorated through techniques such as impressing, carving, or adding additional clay elements before firing.
5. Slab-building has been used throughout history in various cultures, demonstrating its long-standing significance in pottery practices.

Review Questions

• How does slab-building differ from other hand-building techniques in pottery production?
  • Slab-building specifically focuses on using flat pieces of clay to create forms, while other hand-building techniques like pinch or coil involve different methods of shaping the clay. For instance, pinch pots are formed by pinching the clay into shape, and coil pots are built using rolled strips of clay stacked upon each other. Slab-building allows for more geometric and intricate designs due to the flat nature of the slabs, making it distinct from these other methods.
• Discuss the importance of joining methods like scoring and slipping in slab-building pottery.
  • In slab-building pottery, joining methods like scoring and slipping are crucial for ensuring that the flat slabs adhere securely together. Scoring involves scratching the surfaces to create a texture that promotes bonding, while slipping adds moisture and helps fuse the pieces. This is especially important for maintaining structural integrity during both drying and firing processes. Without these methods, slab-built items might separate or crack during their creation or when exposed to heat.
• Evaluate the cultural significance of slab-building in historical contexts and its impact on modern ceramic practices.
  • Slab-building has played an important role in various cultures throughout history by allowing artisans to produce functional and decorative ceramics that reflect their societal values and artistic expressions. From ancient civilizations to contemporary potters, this technique has fostered creativity and innovation in ceramic design. The resurgence of interest in hand-building techniques today highlights a movement toward craftsmanship that values unique, handmade items over mass-produced goods, connecting modern practitioners to their historical roots in slab construction.

Related terms

Hand-building: A pottery technique that encompasses various methods of shaping clay without the use of a potter's wheel, including pinch, coil, and slab construction.

Ceramic glaze: A glass-like coating applied to ceramics after firing, which can enhance appearance, color, and durability.

Kiln: A high-temperature oven used for firing pottery and ceramics, essential for hardening the clay and setting glazes.