Cotta

Cotta is a term derived from Italian, where cotta means cooked or baked. In English-language usage, terra cotta (often written as terra-cotta or simply terracotta) refers to a type of ceramic material made from clay that has been shaped and fired at relatively low temperatures.

Terra cotta is typically produced from red or brown earthen clays and is fired at low to medium temperatures, generally around 900 to 1100 degrees Celsius. The resulting material is porous and can be left unglazed to display its natural color or glazed to enhance durability and color. It is valued for its workability, affordability, and versatility.

Historically, terracotta has been used worldwide for sculpture, pottery, and architectural ornament. Ancient civilizations such as the Chinese, Greeks, and Etruscans produced terracotta objects, while the Terracotta Army of the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang demonstrates its use in monumental sculpture. In architecture, terracotta has been employed for blocks, tiles, reliefs, and decorative façades.

Properties and limitations include its porosity and relative fragility when unglazed, balanced by ease of shaping and cost. When used outdoors, terracotta often requires sealing or protection to guard against water absorption and weathering.

In modern practice, terracotta remains common in bricks, tiles, cladding, and sculptural work, as well as in decorative arts. Etymologically, terra cotta means “baked earth” in Italian, and the term cotta appears in various languages to denote fired clay items.