kerami

Kerami is a term used to describe the craft, art, and industry of making objects from ceramic materials, usually clay that is shaped and then fired at high temperatures. The word derives from keramos, the Greek word for clay or potter's earth, and is related to the English term ceramics. Kerami encompasses both artisanal pottery and industrial ceramic products, including tiles, sanitaryware, and technical ceramics used in engineering.

Production typically involves obtaining suitable clay, refining and aging it, shaping by hand or machine, drying, and firing in a kiln. Glazes may be applied to create waterproof surfaces and decorative finishes. The firing temperature and atmosphere determine properties such as hardness, porosity, and color, distinguishing major categories like earthenware (low-fire), stoneware, and porcelain (high-fire). Technical ceramics, based on advanced materials such as alumina, silicon carbide, and zirconia, are engineered for strength, wear resistance, and thermal stability in industrial applications.

Historically, ceramics date back thousands of years and have served functional and symbolic purposes in many cultures. In contemporary contexts, kerami spans crafts, studio pottery, architectural tile work, and large-scale manufacturing. Sustainability considerations include energy use in kilns, material sourcing, and waste management, with ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

See also: ceramics, pottery, porcelain, tile.