Cserép

Cserép is a Hungarian term that covers fired clay products used for both construction and pottery. In English, it is commonly translated as roof tile or terracotta pottery. The material is typically natural clay that is formed, dried, and fired at high temperatures to produce a hard, water-resistant object. Colors are usually reddish-brown to brick red due to iron content; some variants are glazed for color and waterproofing.

As roofing tiles, cserép pieces cover pitched roofs to shed rain and snow. They come in several shapes, including flat, curved (barrel or wave) and interlocking forms. Tiles are laid in overlapping courses to create a weatherproof seal. Finishes may be glazed or unglazed, and tiles are valued for durability, weather resistance, and relatively long service life.

In pottery and ceramics, cserép refers to terracotta wares such as plant pots, bowls, tiles, and decorative items. These objects are typically made from red-clay and range from utilitarian vessels to artistic pieces. Glazes—clear, colored, or matte—may be applied to improve appearance and durability, or the ware may be left unglazed for a rustic finish.

Production and characteristics: Clay is prepared and shaped by wheel throwing, slip casting, or pressing, then dried and fired in a kiln. Typical firing temperatures for common cserép range from about 900 to 1200 degrees Celsius, which vitrifies the material to some extent. Quality depends on clay purity, drying control, firing conditions, and glaze formulation.

Uses and regional context: Cserép has longstanding use in Central Europe, including Hungary, where roof tiles are a traditional architectural feature and terracotta wares are common in gardening and domestic ware. Modern variations include interlocking roof tiles and a wide range of glazed ceramic products.