Vibrant Purple Pottery: History, Glazing Techniques, & Caring Tips

The Beauty of Purple Pottery

From glossy teapots to handcrafted vases, purple pottery adds an elegant touch to any home. The rich, vibrant hue stands out, grabbing attention while complementing surrounding décor. When skillfully thrown on the wheel or hand built from clay, purple ceramics make decorative yet functional pieces that intrigue and delight.

The History Behind Purple Pottery

While bright purple glazes may seem modern, potters have actually crafted purple pottery for thousands of years. In ancient China, pottery production thrived and artisans perfected porcelain pieces of all colors using innovative techniques still valued today. Chinese purple pottery became coveted not just for aesthetic reasons, but also for its believed protective properties against evil spirits.

Chinese purple pottery often features smooth, flawless finishes. The even, lustrous surfaces come from firing clay at extremely high temperatures up to 1300°C. Expert potters carefully control firing conditions like temperature and atmosphere to create sheen.

Achieving Vibrant Purple Hues

True, rich purple glazes require specific clay bodies and specially mixed glazes. Potters often add manganese dioxide to color purple glaze recipes. When fired, this mineral source interacts with other glaze components to produce widths ranging from light lavender to deep eggplant.

Alternatively, applying a separate purple glaze over another base glaze can generate different intense purple shades. Layering colored glazes leads to new effects as the finishes mingle and melt together during firing.

Types of Purple Pottery

From tableware to vases, purple pottery spans both functional wares and decorative pieces. Explore some of the common forms found glazed in vibrant purple hues.

Teaware

Glistening purple teapots and cups make a bold statement at teatime. Handcrafted on a pottery wheel, artisan mugs and delicate teacups flaunt smooth purple glazed interiors. Matching sets allow hosts to coordinate solid purple or multi-colored patterned pieces.

Serveware

Vibrant purple serveware upgrades any dinnerware collection. Handmade purple plates and platters become focal points at meal times and special occasions. These stunning statement pieces inject homes with captivating style.

Vases

From short bud vases to towering vessels, purple vases enliven rooms with bursts of color. Hand thrown or slip cast, decorative purple ceramics containers artfully show off floral arrangements and dried botanicals. Clustering vases together generates alluring vignettes.

Caring for Purple Pottery

While durable, artisan purple ceramics require some care to maintain their vivid appeal. Avoid extreme temperature changes that could crack pieces. Use soft cloths when cleaning to prevent scratching. When washing dishes by hand, avoid abrasive scouring pads on decorative finishes.

Additionally, hand wash only purple pottery labeled as non-dishwasher safe. The harsh dishwasher detergents can strip vibrant glaze colors over time. Gently wiping pieces dry with towels prevents water spots.

With attentive care and cleaning, purple pottery products stand the test of time, retaining their intense jewel tones and artisanal charm for years of enjoyment.

FAQs

What temperature is needed to fire purple pottery?

Firing purple pottery requires very high temperatures, typically between 1200°C and 1300°C. Firing at higher temperatures creates smooth, glossy finishes by fully melting the glazes.

Does purple pottery need special clay?

Special clay bodies are not always needed, but using clay with the right properties can help achieve vibrant purple glaze results. Porcelain and stoneware clays are common choices as their low absorption allows rich colors.

How do you make purple pottery glaze?

Potters make purple glazes by adding manganese dioxide, which interacts during firing to create purple shades. Layering a purple glaze over a base glaze is another technique yielding intense jewel tones.

Is purple pottery microwave and dishwasher safe?

Check labels before microwaving or dishwashing purple pottery, as artisan pieces may be hand wash only. The high heat and detergents can damage decorative finishes over time.