Terracotta: History, Technique and Modern Use
Terracotta is one of the oldest and most famous types of ceramics, which has been popular since ancient times and continues to be used today. This material is an integral part of the cultural heritage of many peoples and plays an important role in decorative arts, architecture and everyday life. In this blog, we will consider what terracotta is, its historical development, manufacturing features and modern use.

What is Terracotta?
Terracotta is a ceramic material made from natural clay. After the clay product is formed, it is fired at a temperature of about 1000 °C. Firing gives terracotta a characteristic reddish-brown shade, which can vary depending on the composition of the clay and firing conditions. Terracotta is known for its porosity, which makes it strong, but at the same time quite light.

History of Terracotta
Ancient Civilizations
Terracotta has a very ancient history. It was used even in the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China and Greece. Archaeologists find terracotta products that date back to millennia BC. Terracotta figurines, dishes, building materials - all these products testify to the wide use of terracotta in the everyday life of ancient people.

China's Terracotta Warrior Army: One of the most famous examples of the use of terracotta is the Terracotta Army created for the first emperor of China, Qin Shihuangdi. This army consists of thousands of terracotta statues of warriors, horses and chariots that were created to guard the emperor in the afterlife. The Terracotta Army is not only an outstanding example of ancient art, but also a testament to the importance of this material in Chinese culture.

Greek terracotta figurines: In ancient Greece, terracotta also played a significant role in art. Various figurines, vases, and statuettes of gods and goddesses were made from it, which were used both in religious ceremonies and in everyday life.

Terracotta in Europe
In medieval Europe, terracotta became a popular material for architectural details. It was used to create carved elements of facades, window sills, cornices and decorative panels. Due to its durability and relative ease of manufacture, terracotta was widely used in Renaissance architecture.

Terracotta Production Technique
Selection and Preparation of Clay
The first stage in the production of terracotta products is the selection and preparation of clay. Clay for terracotta should be soft and plastic so that it is easy to mold. Before starting work, the clay is thoroughly mixed and cleaned of impurities to achieve a uniform consistency.

Shaping of the product: Shaping of terracotta products can be done in different ways: sculpting by hand, on a potter's wheel or casting in molds. These methods allow you to create both simple utilitarian objects and complex decorative products.
Drying
After forming, the product remains for drying. This is an important step because terracotta is highly porous, and uneven drying can lead to cracks or deformations. Products are usually dried slowly to ensure even drying of all parts.

Moisture control: To avoid cracks, the product is dried gradually, maintaining a stable temperature and humidity in the room.
Burning
After complete drying, the terracotta product is fired in a kiln at a temperature of about 1000 °C. Firing gives the product strength and a characteristic reddish-brown color, which depends on the composition of the clay and the temperature regime.

Temperature regime: The firing temperature can affect the final color of the product - from bright red to dark brown or even a yellowish shade.

Using Terracotta
Architectural Elements
One of the most common uses of terracotta is to create architectural elements. Terracotta is used for the production of tiles, facade elements, ornaments, columns and capitals. It is easily carved, which allows you to create complex decorative details that add a special charm to buildings.

Decorative tiles: Terracotta tiles are used for wall and floor cladding, both in interior and exterior interiors. Its texture and warm color add coziness and naturalness to the room.
Household Products
Terracotta is also widely used for making tableware, vases, plant pots, and kitchen utensils. Compared to other types of ceramics, terracotta has a more natural and simple appearance, which makes it especially popular among those who appreciate naturalness and authenticity.

Plant Pots: Terracotta plant pots are a popular choice among gardeners due to their porosity, which allows good root ventilation and helps prevent rot.
Decorative Art
Ceramic masters often use terracotta to create sculptures, bas-reliefs and decorative panels. Thanks to its properties, terracotta allows you to reproduce the smallest details, which makes it an ideal material for artistic modeling.

Sculpture: Terracotta sculptures often feature natural forms and textures that emphasize the beauty of natural materials. They can be found both in public spaces and in private collections.
Modern Use of Terracotta
Today, terracotta continues to be used in both traditional and modern projects. Architects and designers increasingly turn to this material due to its environmental friendliness, durability and aesthetic appeal.

Modern architecture: In modern architecture, terracotta is used to create facades of buildings that combine ancient traditions and modern technologies. For example, many new projects use terracotta panels, which provide thermal insulation and give the buildings a distinctive look.

Decorative products: Pottery masters continue to create decorative products from terracotta that decorate the interiors and exteriors of houses. Their uniqueness and unique appearance make them desirable among collections