The History of German Salt-Glazed Pottery
Salt-glazed pottery is a traditional type of ceramic with a glossy, glazed finish, created by adding one common ingredient — salt. It is a very durable type of pottery that has been used for cooking and storage for centuries. Salt-glazed pottery is an excellent choice for anyone looking for that rustic charm of handmade ceramics with a unique history.
This pottery was used to make everyday items such as storage vessels, bowls, mugs and jugs. While creating salt-glazed pottery is complex, the results are worth it, and these beautiful pieces are sturdy and unique. Let’s dive into this fascinating traditional technique and learn more about the history of salt-glazed pottery.
Check out our range of handmade salt-glazed pottery here.
What Is Salt-Glazed Pottery
What made salt-glazed pottery so popular in medieval Germany, leaving a lasting legacy to this day, is its glaze. The clear and glossy glaze is created when everyday salt is added to the firing process when the kiln is at a very high temperature, usually around 1,300 degrees celsius. Used for centuries, it shot to fame in the 1300s because it can safely hold liquids and oils.
The History of Salt-Glazed Pottery in Germany
Salt-glazed pottery has a long and rich history in Germany. Some of the earliest examples of salt-glazed pottery were unearthed in Germany, dating back to the 14th century, found in Rhineland. One theory of how this was discovered is that this area of Germany was an important region for trading fish, which at that time was transported and preserved in salt. These wooden barrels and boxes would have held salted fish, and this wood could have been used to fire a kiln. This would have seen the salt released into the firing process, revealing the pleasing result of salt-glazed pottery which came to define German pottery for centuries to come!
The Benefits of Owning a Piece of Salt-Glazed Pottery
As well as owning a little piece of German history, buying a piece of glazed pottery means you support a handmade art form — one that is completely dishwasher safe and oven safe. Salt-glazed pottery is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a durable and charming addition to complete their rustic kitchen dreams!
Check our selection of handmade salt-glazed pottery here!
