Ceramics technics

There are two main categories of ceramics, porous terracotta and closed terracotta (stoneware, porcelain).

The term "porous terracotta" or earthenware is used for earthenware that fires at low temperature (from 960°C to 1180°C). And this is precisely what allows earthenware Often red, this earth is then covered with a layer of white slip which masks its original color. However, a white earth called "fine earthenware" is commercially available, which is a mixture of earth and other powdered minerals. After firing, the shard is white as snow and allows the ceramist to decorate the piece directly without using a layer of engobe which hides the red earth. The earthenware is sealed by a vitrifiable enamel called "couverte" or glaze" placed on the biscuit, the latter being obtained by a first firing of the piece, around 980°C.

 

Porcelain is a ceramic based on kaolin mixed with feldspar and quartz. Thanks to these, the vitrification of the paste can be done at very high temperatures, which gives the porcelain its great solidity, its transparency and its resistance to scratches caused by steel. SIÈCLE has its porcelain cast in Limoges, in old moulds, or in its own moulds. The porcelains are then sent to a nearby workshop to receive a decoration, entirely hand-painted in Limoges from our drawings and color ranges.

 

Sandstone is characterized by very high hardness and excellent resistance to chemical or climatic attack. This resistance is obtained by firing at a temperature above 1,200°C. It can be black, white, gray and has a range of more muted colors although they can remain powerful at times.

 

Prototypes are usually shaped by Marisa. Then made in small series by our potter, the ceramist moulder, or in our workshop in Ile de France for all the stamped collections.

The application of the enamel is done exclusively with a brush, sometimes freehand painted, sometimes using a stencil.
The range of colors is particularly wide with more than 50 different shades, which obviously differ according to the material and the color of the earth used.

TECHNIQUES IN DETAIL

Molding: In the molding process, the earth is no longer in pasty form, but in liquid form by adding water and deflocculant. This mixture of fine clay powder and water is called slip. A plaster or terracotta mold is used to define the exterior of the form. The part is removed from the mold after drying, an operation facilitated by the shrinkage produced by the evaporation of water.

Turning: This technique requires prolonged learning. The lathe consists of a rotating plate called a girelle. After placing a clod of clay in the center of the plate, the potter centers his earth then shapes it during his rotation.
Siècle has chosen to leave traces of fingers and turning lines on its turned pieces, thus showing the work of the hand.

Stamping: The technique of stamping requires a model in plaster, terracotta or other porous material, then a clay plate of constant thickness is placed on the mold and gently stamped on the surface of the mold.

 

CARE

The enamel is baked at a high temperature and withstands everyday use and the dishwasher without any problem. Note, however, that earthenware is a material that is always more fragile than porcelain or stoneware. We cannot guarantee any of these materials against scratches or breakage.