Pottery floor vases are works of art that depict an artist's expression of himself. Pottery vases are the first works made of clay and had brought about the many innovations that we see today. Here you will get to know more of the specifications of these vases including where to get them and how to use them with regard to their make and design.
A pottery floor vase may look very simple but with sufficient knowledge on how it may be fitted into a home décor, it will create an impact that will be as strong as any vase will. With the varied types available, getting a pottery vase to suit a specific motif will be easier. However sufficient knowledge will play a big role.
A Detailed Guide To Pottery Floor Vases
Pottery floor vases are the first ever products made from clay and we still see a lot of them these days. Despite the existence of their more modern counterparts, potters still choose to produce more of them due to the big advantages they offer. First, they are easy to make and require less tedious job to complete such as glazing. Even when unglazed, they easily fit in as a home décor because their color blends almost naturally with any existing décor or the dominant color in the room. With little effort to paint or put glaze on them will be enough to make them just as attractive as their counterparts. Secondly, they use the cheapest materials so in return, they are sold at a lot lower price.
However, a pottery floor vase is often confused with a ceramic vase. That is not surprising because ceramic is actually a part of pottery floor vases. If we look closer on the difference of the two, there is basically very little difference which actually justifies the confusion. To further understand, let us look at what ceramic is.
The truth behind a ceramic material
Ceramic is the primary term for the material used in some vases, such as porcelain and pottery. It is derived from the Greek word "keramos" which means clay. In ancient times, ceramics were mostly used for vases and other wares by manually shaping them clay, decorating them until they are exposed to high temperature to produce their glaze. However, as people continue to discover other materials used in creating vases, ceramic became more of a term used for different materials including cement and even glass.
Pottery floor vases explained
The phrase pottery floor vases stands for ceramics that are made of either earthenware or stoneware clay. Except for the metallic oxides in stoneware clay, both types of clay are basically similar in composition. Earthenware pottery allows water to seep through itself. Stoneware pottery does not. The consistency of stoneware pots is denser. Therefore they are harder than earthenware pots. They also resound when struck lightly. In fact, there are antique ceramic gongs made out of stoneware clay. Porcelain is also another type of pottery. To fully understand the types, let us briefly discuss each.
- Earthenware pottery - Taking its origin back to the period between 1400-1200 BC, earthenware pottery is the oldest type of pottery in history. Vases or any ware under this type are fired at lower temperature than most of their kind. Their colors usually range between white or red and are often highly porous or that which allows liquid to either sip in or out of the material. This is the primary reason why earthen wares must go through glazing to allow them to hold water.
- Stoneware pottery - The finished product of this type of pottery are so durable that they can resist metal scratches and some wares may even be used for cooking or baking. They are exposed to higher temperature which ranges from 2200-2400 Fahrenheit. They are also heavier because they are made with a heavier mixture of clay. Color is usually brown.
- Porcelain pottery - This one is not in direct comparison to the first two types of pottery but uses the same material except that an additional element called kaolinite is added to achieve the unusually thin layer of ceramic which is better known as porcelain. Because of the specific clay used to produce porcelain, it is often excluded in the category of pottery floor vases just like glass and crystal.
Pottery and the various styles
Because the art of pottery spread among many nations, today we see styles that represent this variation.
Japanese pottery vases - Japan's pottery art is among the earliest in existence but were not very popular back then. Perhaps this is because Japanese pottery was focused more on their practical purposes rather than being decorative. A Japanese pottery vase though was equally beautiful and decorative when placed side by side with vases of different origins because their decorations were meticulously done in observance of the highest quality as well. The country's pottery took years to master and now has four classifications.
- Satsuma - This kind of pottery derived its name from the place where brown clay is found some 400 years ago. Often confused with porcelain pieces, Satsuma pottery goes through low temperature firing and comes out with a creamy color and cracked glaze. While these cracks can make the vases look old, they are actually part of the design. In fact, creating the cracks is an added step in making vases as a thin layer of glaze is added then heated and cooled quickly to achieve the cracks. These cracks are called Kannyu.
- Arita - Almost the same time as Satsuma came to existence did Arita pottery made its way to Japan's world of pottery. Commonly seen in a combination of white and blue colors with paintings of Japanese Gods or people in authority or important people in history, the style became so famous that potters hardly meet the demand.
- Imari - This kind of Japanese pottery took its name from a port where export pottery are dispatched and sent to various countries worldwide. Subsequently, all other styles under this category were also named after their makers or their place of origin.
- Occupied Japan - While the name sounds odd, there actually existed a category in Japan's pottery which was named such. This was during the World War 2 when Japan was taken over by Allied forces. Potters were asked to produce in bulk. These were then sorted out. Those of good quality were kept in the country while those of inferior quality were sold abroad to help stabilize the country's economy after war. These exported pieces were marked with "Occupied Japan".
Antique pottery vases - Pottery has been around for thousands of years and has been widespread. They almost co-existed with mankind because of the important role they have taken in ancient people's day to day life. In fact, to some archeologists, they co-relate pottery with a country's development. Given that, an antique pottery vase may be traced to its origin through the styles and distinct characteristics brought about by the specific trademarks each maker chose to use. These kinds of pottery are hardly seen in shops these days. Rather, you are most likely to see them in collectors' houses. To better guide you in identifying antique pottery vases, you can visit antique marks site to get a clear illustration and images of antique samples.
German pottery vases - One of the cheapest pottery vases you can find is German pottery vase. These kinds of vases come in unique styles but are priced lower than their counterparts, making them ideal pieces for home décor especially when you want to do a scheme that is highly based on the use of pottery vase. The German style of pottery does not involve so many images painted on them such as animals, flowers or people as commonly seen in vases coming from China and Japan. They stand out instead because of their rich color and paintings that do not bear specific meanings. In some cases, instead of painting animals on to the vase, they make vases that resemble the shape of animals.
Tuscan pottery vases - What makes Tuscan pottery vases distinct from those of other origins is their brand of using nature painted on to them. Most common figures you will find etched on them are those of flowers and animals. They also come in rich, earthy colors, while some are totally minimalistic using just one color all over. Tuscan vases are widely accepted because they allow versatility in decorating and they can harmoniously blend with decors from other regions of the world.
Handmade pottery vases - Vases have been essential in man's existence in the ancient times because they served as water and food containers. However, man did not have equipment back then to aid him in producing them. Thus, handmade pottery vases existed for quite some time. It is the oldest style of pottery dated back 25,000 B.C. Potters used bare hands to form clay into vases and decorated them tediously again with their own hands.
Although the pottery wheel came into existence nowadays, there are still hundreds of potters who make handmade potteries primarily because they get to fully express themselves in each piece they create. After all, the only advantage offered by today's methods is not that essential except that potters will have a wider option in creating their masterpieces. But the basic steps such as shaping the clay and firing it to remove excess water are still practiced. This is why the art has not vanished into the past despite the many changes that had taken effect.
Decorative pottery vases - From the name itself, it is expected that decorative pottery vases are those that are used for the sole purpose of decorating. While vases were originally used for specific functions, as people advanced, other uses of vases have developed and are now being adapted by many households. It is no longer surprising to see vases outdoor, in gardens and patios. You will also see these vases used as center pieces or in dark corners of a room which are purposely positioned to brighten up the area.
Because they are not made for specific functions, you will vases that have unusual shapes and images on them. These images usually took inspiration from cultural beliefs particularly those coming from Asia. While they are still decorative in nature, these images connote specific meaning and may have a totally different interpretation when used without caution. For instance, Asian vases that bear images of lotus flowers must not be placed in rooms where earthly pleasures are done. That is because a lotus flower symbolizes wisdom and detachment from the lure of earthly pleasures. A vase with a five clawed dragon on the other hand must not be used just anywhere because the image signifies authority and must be used in places that house people of authority such as kings and emperors.
The many shapes of pottery floor vases
Pottery floor vases may take on any shape depending on the artist's preference. From these varied shapes, users take advantage by creating an elegant house décor out of them. You will find shapes that are somewhat impossible to fit in any flower. These pottery vases are purely decorative and can flaunt their innate beauty without having to use flowers or any accessories in them.
Pottery floor vases may be jar-shaped with a wide base, an egg-shaped body, a short or non-existent neck and a wide mouth. At other times, you will encounter those floor vases that are teardrop-shaped. In this case, the body is not ovoid but shaped like a drinking flask, wide at its base and tapering upwards. Its upper end is continuous with the neck. The mouth of the teardrop vase is usually as wide as the neck. Occasionally, it may flare somewhat outwards. You will also see pottery floor vases that have rectangular or spherical bodies.
Sometimes, the vase has a pedestal rising out of its base. The length of this structure varies greatly. However there are fewer examples of pedestal pottery floor vases. The base is often narrower than the body. In some styles, it may be nearly as wide as the body so that the pottery vase becomes bucket-shaped. Examples of this type of vase are found in some urns and incense vases.
These varied shapes may then be classified further into tall pottery floor vases and large pottery floor vases. Tall pottery vases are an elegant addition to any home décor. The crucial thing though is to ensure they are properly complemented to avoid ruining your entire décor. On the other hand, when the vase is colorful enough, you just need to identify a specific spot in the house where you can position it. Without any more accessories, it will surely stand out. They are best positioned in corners or beside furniture.
Large pottery vases are great your home decorating idea an elegant finish. You can use these pieces either as interior decors or even in your gardens or hallway entrances of your home. These may be used to express one's character and give your décor a personal touch. An additional benefit in using large pottery vases is their ability to flaunt themselves as standalone decors. That alone will save you from further stress of looking for accessories that will complement them. Some artists design vases such that they come up with vases of voluptuous rim, adding an intriguing effect to any house decorating scheme.
Unglazed pottery floor vases
Pottery floor vases may be left unglazed, for instance, those which are meant to grow plants in. These planter pots are earthenware and porous. That is because water has to seep out of the vase in order to keep the soil in the vase from becoming soggy. However, these same vases may also be used for dry and artificial plant and flower arrangements. Additionally, they may serve a purely decorative purpose. Some good examples are the terra cotta floor vases which may assume many fancy shapes. Stoneware floor vases are naturally impermeable to water and can be used to hold fresh floral arrangements even when they are unglazed.
Interesting textures found on pottery floor vases
Most of the techniques for adding texture to vases are used in pottery jars. Notably we have the dripping technique in which glaze is allowed to drip down the mouth and neck of the vessel. This method may be used with two glazes, the foundation glaze and the dripped glaze. Alternatively unglazed pottery floor vases may also be dripped.
Drizzling is an effect that produces a sprinkling of color against the basic background of the pot.
One very popular glaze for producing pronounced textures is the thick lava technique. The best examples of these are found in pottery floor vases from Germany. You see them in vases crafted by Scheurich and Jasba. This type of glaze is typically bubbly and thick. By selectively tracing it on the surface of the jar or etching it with patterns, the craftsmen are able to produce textures simulating the bark of trees, for example.
For more classic designs, Polish pottery floor vases are just as famous. The distinctive style of this type of vase uses horizontal bands of minutely detailed patterns on the vase's body. Sometimes, images of flowers and fruits adorn the middle portion of the body with the textured bands on top of and below them. Polish pottery floor vases are not only finely shaped and decorated but they are also exciting to look at in spite of their somewhat dark colors - that is because the fine details are executed in bright tints such as white.
Where to buy pottery floor vases
When you intend to make a house décor that takes inspiration from vintage pottery vases, you would most likely wish to know where to get these pieces at prices that will not hurt your pockets! However, take into consideration that the kind of vases you pick will decide how much you should spend.
Now, if you are on a budget, you must look for thrift stores that offer cheap pottery vases. These stores can be found in the internet or in your very own locality. If you hate going around under the heat of the sun to look for cheap pottery floor vases that would complete your home décor, then take refuge from the internet by looking up for online stores that offer just what you need at the very comfort of your home.
Among the popular online stores you can visit is Chunhua Arts Co., Ltd. Yiwu. They offer great discounts on their pottery vases. You may also visit flowersandsupplies.com that offer both wholesale and retail cheap vases. Wholesalemart is another option you could take. They offer incredibly low prices on some of their pottery vases.
If you do not get satisfaction from merely seeing the vases through their pictures, then by all means go visit a virtual store within your vicinity so you can satisfy your need to actually hold these vases before even deciding to spend on them. If you are lucky enough, you can even negotiate for lower price which you cannot do with online stores.
The most important thing though that you should take note when buying online is to ensure that you get them shipped to you for free. Otherwise, your shipping cost might just appear to be more expensive than the price of the vases. However, if the vase you really want cannot be shipped to you for free, just make sure you have considered the cost before you decide to close the deal with the shop to avoid surprises during actual delivery.
Summary
The art of pottery that dates back thousands of years ago had greatly influenced the art of vase making today. Taking inspiration from different corners of the world, the art had come to an even higher level with the introduction of new and advanced methods to further enhance the art and finished products.
However, it is interesting to note why some potters still remain in their simple style of creating pottery vases using their bare hands. Perhaps that is because they get to express themselves more fully by doing so. After all, it is quite hard as well to differentiate handmade potteries especially when they come from different origins that applied varied techniques to perfect the craft.
Whatever the origins of pottery vases are, one sure thing that people know of is how greatly they have influence the art of home decorating. From being used for daily needs, they have evolved into becoming great decors that give undisputed elegance to any home. Regardless of their shape, style, texture and origin, pottery floor vases would undoubtedly make good finishing touches to every home décor.