keramiki

Keramiki is the term used to describe the craft, art, and industry of ceramics—the practice of shaping inorganic, non-metallic materials, most commonly clay, and firing them at high temperatures to obtain a durable object. The word appears in several languages as a name for ceramics, encompassing both decorative pottery and industrial ceramic materials used in engineering and technology.

Key materials include various clays such as kaolin, ball clay, and bentonite, along with silica-rich sands and fluxes. When combined with water, these ingredients form workable bodies for shaping. Common forming methods are hand-building, wheel throwing, slip casting, and extrusion. After shaping, pieces are dried, fired to a bisque temperature to harden the clay, and often glazed to form a glassy surface. Firing can be electric, gas, or wood-fired, with temperatures varying by material type (earthenware, stoneware, porcelain).

History and types: Ceramics have a global history dating back to prehistoric times, with early pottery found in multiple regions. Over centuries, techniques evolved into refined wares such as porcelain in China and tin-glazed wares in the Islamic world and Europe. Modern ceramics include traditional wares as well as advanced technical ceramics used for electrical insulators, biomedical implants, cutting tools, and engine components.

Contemporary practice: Ceramic production combines craft, design, and science. Innovations include glaze chemistry, ceramic composites, and additive manufacturing. Ongoing concerns include energy use in firing, material recycling, and environmental impacts of glaze additives.