List of Pottery Terms - K

K

• Kaolin. Otherwise known as china clay, white or off-white firing kaolinitic. Used to make porcelain(W)

• Kidney A kidney-shaped tool made of flexible steel for finishing thrown pots, or made of stiff rubber for pressing and smoothing clay in a mould.

• Kiln A furnace for the firing of ceramics.

• Kiln furniture Refractory shelves and posts upon which ceramic ware is placed while being fired in the kiln.

• Kiln spurs. Supports, often in the shape of a tripod, used to maintain the shape and separate pieces of ceramic during the firing process.

• Kneading is a step in preparing clay for shaping. It involves manipulating the clay in a fashion somewhat like Kneading dough for bread. It ensures the even distribution of moisture in the body.