Salt glazing
Salt glazing is a ceramic glazing technique in which common salt is introduced into a kiln during high-temperature firing to create a glassy surface on pottery. The vaporized salt reacts with the silica in the clay body to form a thin glaze layer.
During the firing process, salt is thrown into the kiln when it has reached a sufficiently high temperature. The salt vaporizes in the intense heat and forms sodium vapor that circulates through the kiln chamber. This vapor reacts with the silica present in the clay body, producing a natural glaze on the surface of the pottery.
Salt-glazed surfaces typically display a slightly textured appearance often described as an "orange-peel" texture. The glaze may appear glossy or semi-glossy and can vary in color depending on the clay body and firing conditions.
The technique became widely used in European stoneware production from the 17th century onward and was particularly associated with ceramic centers in Germany and England. Although it is not a traditional method in most Japanese ceramics, salt glazing has been adopted in some modern studio pottery practices.
Because the glaze forms through chemical reactions within the kiln atmosphere, salt glazing does not require the application of a conventional glaze before firing.
