Final answer:
A kiln is fired to fuse glaze to a clay body. The process involves high temperatures, around 900 degrees Celsius, to ensure the glaze adheres properly. Mastery of kiln firing techniques showcases the advanced skills of ancient potters.
Step-by-step explanation:
To fuse a glaze to a clay body, a kiln is used where the pottery is fired. The process of pottery making involves various steps, including shaping the clay, allowing it to dry, and then applying a glaze. Steven explains that with slipware the slip, which are fine particles of clay mixed with water, is painted onto the surface of the pot. Once the slip is applied, the pottery is fired in a kiln at high temperatures, around 900 degrees Celsius, which is essential for the glaze to adhere to the clay body firmly.
The firing process can be intricate, as the absence of modern devices like thermometers required the ancients, like Greek artists, to master the precise timing and temperature control necessary to achieve the desired outcome. For instance, special firing techniques were used for Black-on-orange Pottery, where oxygen was withdrawn from the kiln to change the color of the pottery. Understanding the importance of the kiln in pottery making highlights the creativity and technical skills employed by civilizations throughout history.