Question

Identify the process of making earthenware body-
(A) Baking or firing
(B) Building forms by coiling, slabs or pressing clay
(C) Drying
(D) Mixing of different additives like sand, grog etc.
(E) Preparing clay
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (E), (D), (B), (C), (A)
• B. (A), (D), (C), (B), (E)
• C. (A), (B), (C), (D), (E)
• D. (E), (D), (C), (A), (B)

Hint:

The ceramic process always follows the same basic path: Prepare Clay → Form Object → Dry Object → Fire Object.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Arrange the steps of pottery making in a logical chronological order.

(E) Preparing clay: The process begins with preparing the raw clay, which includes cleaning, sieving, and wedging (kneading) to remove air bubbles and ensure uniform consistency.
(D) Mixing of different additives: To achieve desired properties (like reduced shrinkage or added texture), additives like sand or grog (fired clay) are mixed into the prepared clay body.
(B) Building forms: Once the clay body is ready, the potter shapes it into the desired object using techniques like coiling, slab building, or wheel throwing.
(C) Drying: The formed piece must dry slowly and completely. It goes from a soft state to leather-hard, and finally to bone-dry.
(A) Baking or firing: The bone-dry piece (greenware) is fired in a kiln. This vitrifies the clay, making it hard and permanent.

Step 2: Match the sequence to the options. The correct sequence is (E), (D), (B), (C), (A). This matches option (1).