1 - Ceramic Powder Processing History and Discussion of Natural Raw Materials

Abstract

This chapter reviews the field of ceramic powder processing from a historical perspective. In addition, it catalogues the various ceramic powder raw materials used to produce ceramics. The first ceramic objects in the archaeological record are fired clay figures appearing about 22,000 B.C. This art form gradually became used for more practical objects such as bowls and storage vessels on a much larger scale. This larger scale of production became an integral part of the Chinese villages about 6000 B.C., where the ceramic kiln played a central role. A highly developed ceramic technology was in place for earthenware well before the Bronze Age (about 4000 B.C.), at a time when silkworm cultivation was also invented. Other parts of the world also contributed to the technological developments of ceramic powder processing. This technology was carefully guarded by the Chinese but finally spread to Korea by the ll00s and to Japan by the 1600s. Marco Polo and other Western travelers described the Chinese porcelain to the Italian ruling class upon their return from the Far East, and they started importing pieces.