Functional

A general term that refers to any ceramics piece that is not purely decorative and has some intended use. Typical examples include teapots, bowls, mugs, and vases. Some seemingly functional pieces may actually be decorative only because of how they are made, or because of the type of claybody or glazes used. For example, the artist may create decorative teapots that are porous, or may glaze bowls with glazes that are not food safe or that cannot take fluids well. When shopping for pieces for a specific purpose, make sure to confirm that they can, indeed, be used for that purpose.

Stoneware

A strong, hard, vitrified ware, usually high-fired above 2,200 F, in which the claybody and glaze mature at the same temperature, forming an integrated clay-glaze layer. This high-firing process brings the clay to a point of maximum solidification without danger of distortion, creating pieces very suitable for kitchenware and other functional pieces.