The business of pottery making is one of the oldest crafts. The oldest known pottery dates from the Jomon period in Japan (from 10500 to 400BC) Almost all countries have produced pottery for long time however the types of pottery and especially the decoration has differed between different countries and also designs have changed over time. Pottery comes in various types of wares, one of the oldest being earthenware. This technique has changed little since ancient times. Earthenware is composed of types of clay and baked hard in an oven or kiln. Another type of pottery is stoneware this is very popular for domestic pots. A popular type of pottery used in the Far East is known as China Clay. This material was modified to produce porcelain. The decoration on pottery has been very distinct between the countries with the designs produced being representative of the history and culture of the place where the pottery is made. One of the eastern types of design was recently discovered when a cargo of ceramics was recovered from a shipwreck near the coast of Hoi An in Vietnam. This haul that has come to be known as the Hoi An Hoard has been dated from the 1430-1480 period. Other famous pottery from the Far East of course was made during the Ming dynasty. Our home-grown pottery has developed an industry in various parts of the country with one of the most famous areas being the Stafford. The great thing about this craft is that through time along with the great makers of pottery items there has always been a vast "amateur" interest in this craft. It has been handed down through the generations and also being taught in schools and colleges. Through our courses we hope to give those of you who have not been able to take part in this craft a chance of trying the techniques of building your own pottery. After become familiar with the basics you will find your own style blossoming through your pots.

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