Type of Clay Used by Great Barrington Pottery

Great Barrington Pottery uses red Georgia clay for its products.

Great Barrington Pottery produces highly recognizable ceramic wares. The shapes of its Japanese-inspired wares are distinct. Apart from shape, much of this distinction arises from traditional glazing, but the underpinning is a common red clay found in the southeastern United States.

Clay

Great Barrington Pottery uses red Georgia clay in the production of its ceramic ware. The clay derives its red coloration from high levels of unhydrated iron oxide present in the soil. Manganese oxides and partially hydrated iron oxides also contribute the clay's red tones.

Soil

The soils in which this particular clay is found has undergone extensive weathering, is poorly drained, and is over rock.

Glaze

The unique glazing representative of Great Barrington pottery is the result not of the clay used in its manufacture, but rather from a combination of Japanese feldspar, wood ash, and rice straw ash.

References

• Akama: Great Barrington Pottery in Housatonic
• Berkshire Web: Great Barrington Pottery
• Natural Resources Conservation Service: Georgia Red Clay