Sävynkiillokkeet

Sävynkiillokkeet, a Finnish term, translates to "color glazes" or "pigment finishes" and refers to a decorative technique applied to ceramics. This method involves coating a ceramic piece with a glaze that contains pigments, which are then fired in a kiln. The high temperatures of the kiln cause the glaze to melt and fuse with the ceramic body, creating a hard, vitreous, and often colorful surface.

The pigments used in sävynkiillokkeet can be derived from various minerals and metal oxides, each contributing to a different hue. For instance, cobalt oxide typically produces blue, iron oxide yields reds and browns, and copper oxide can create greens and blues. The exact color achieved also depends on the base glaze composition and the firing atmosphere, whether it is oxidizing or reducing.

Sävynkiillokkeet can be applied in various ways to achieve different aesthetic effects. They can be applied uniformly over the entire surface, creating a solid color. Alternatively, they can be applied selectively, perhaps to specific areas or patterns, allowing the underlying ceramic body or a different glaze to show through. Techniques like dipping, brushing, or spraying are commonly used for application. This decorative process is a fundamental aspect of ceramic art and pottery, contributing to both the visual appeal and the functional properties of the finished ceramic object, such as making it waterproof and easier to clean.