Bengal is well known all around the world for producing some of the most talented artists in history and discovering some of the most distinctive crafts, like dokra, sholapith, and a wide variety of clay dolls. For years, Bengal has captivated the world with its clay creations and amazing artistic marvels. The minute embellishments on the Bankura horse, the alluring terracotta tales of the temples of Bishnupur, the pottery and sculptures of deities from Krishnanagar, and the unique creations of the artisans of Hooghly and Panchmura. All these crafts are unique and beautiful in their own way, and what makes them so singular is the different types of clay used to make them, the varying temperatures used to fire them, and the techniques applied by the artisan to craft them with their own hands.
You need to understand the composition and uses of different types of clay and which one best matches your needs. As such, you need to know the common clays used in Bengal to create clay crafts.
Terracotta is the oldest medium used by man to create products of art and utility. The word terracotta comes from the Italian word “baked earthy."
One of the most adaptable kinds of clay is terracotta, which craftspeople in Bengal employ to make figurines, sculptures, pottery, and architectural accents. Although terracotta is not an airtight medium, using glaze can reduce its porosity. Depending on the temperature and fire process, the hue is typically either orange or reddish brown.
Bengal has long used kaolin, sometimes referred to as China clay, which is a white clay with fine grains. It is recognised for its purity and silky texture and is mostly found in the western regions of the state. used to create dinnerware, small sculptures, and earthenware.
Porcelain can be broadly classified into three types: hard-paste, soft-paste, and bone china. The body composition and firing circumstances of the various categories vary. Porcelain clay is usually covered in glaze before it is fired to give it a beautiful lustre.
Ball clay is a highly plastic clay with a fine texture, making it suitable for various pottery applications. It is often mixed with other clays to enhance their workability and strength. Frequently used in conjunction with kaolin to produce high-quality ceramics and pottery, it is usually black or grey in colour due to the minerals present in the clay. Has high elasticity and is very fine in texture.
Fire clay is known for its ability to withstand high temperatures, making it an excellent choice for creating items that need to be fired at high temperatures, such as bricks and tiles. It is used for producing things like bricks and tiles. Depending on where it came from, fire clay can range in texture from fine to coarse, from brown to light grey.
Stoneware is a broad term for pottery fired at a relatively high temperature. A modern definition is a vitreous or semi-vitreous ceramic made primarily from stoneware clay or non-refractory fire clay. End applications include tableware and decorative ware such as vases.
When purchasing clay for crafting online, especially for traditional Bengal crafts, several factors need to be considered to ensure you get the best quality. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:
Before you buy anything, you need to have a clear purpose in mind. Buying clay crafts online might be confusing, but if you know what you are looking for and how your needs will be met, then the process will become much simpler. Are you looking for a decorative piece or a utility product? Make sure the product is suitable for the reason you want to buy it. If you are looking for pottery or tableware, it is best to go with ceramic or porcelain because of their non-porous nature. Whereas if you are looking for decoration for your home or office space, you can explore the intricately detailed terracotta creations.
It is very important to know if the website you are buying from is reliable. Make sure that the platform you are buying your products from has provided detailed descriptions and authentic photographs of the products. That’s not all. Try to look for testimonials on social media or Google reviews to gauge the quality of the products they offer and whether the customer care that they provide is reliable.
Do not make the mistake of making a purchase on the basis of pictures alone without reviewing the description. Knowing the size, weight, dimensions, etc. is very important. Without this information, you might make a mistake and buy something that is not the right fit or something that you do not need. Read the product descriptions carefully. Look for information about the clay’s composition, texture, and intended use. If available, check for certification or authenticity marks that guarantee the clay’s origin and quality.
Select vendors who have a clear return policy and provide excellent customer service. This is crucial in the event that the clay you get is damaged in transportation or does not live up to your expectations.
If you pay attention to all these factors before you buy any clay craft online, then you will always make informed choices and be able to find good products that match your requirements. This way, you will never make a faux pas or buy something that does not fit your needs. If you are looking for premium-quality products made from the best materials, then The Bengal Store has a wide variety of clay crafts for all your different needs. From clay dolls and sculptures to ceramic products and traditional pottery, you can find everything you need under one roof.
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