Pottery comes in three varieties commonly called earthenware, stoneware and porcelain. Throughout the ages pottery has provided for peoples daily needs, performed roles in social functions and acted as a media for artistic expression. The following information describes the differences between the three varieties of pottery:
· Earthenware comprises low-fired pieces (up to approx. 1,700 F) and is porous. Most terra cotta pottery is earthenware. Earthenware will absorb water and consequently flake, crack and crumble when exposed to the freeze-thaw cycle.
· Stoneware is high fired (up to approx. 2,300 F) and is non-porous. With proper drainage all water leaves the pot and cannot permeate the walls. .
· Porcelain is fired about 100 F higher than stoneware, is also non-porous and has a translucent body.
New discoveries are continually introducing information into the history of ceramics. Recently carbon dating of Japanese earthenware surpassed the age of the oldest known piece of earthenware from the Yangtze River in China by 2,000 years. Presently these are the approximate dates of the major advances in early ceramics.
| Event | Location | Time Period |
| First Clay Fired Figurines | Central Europe | 25,000 BC |
| First Earthenware | Japan | 14,000 BC |
| First Stoneware | China (Late Shang) | 1,500BC |
| Terra Cotta Soldiers | China (Quin) | 221-206 BC |
| Glazed Stoneware | China (Han) | 206 BC - 220 AD |
| Porcelain | China (Eastern Han) | 25-220 AD |
Virtually all of Champa Ceramics' garden pottery falls in the stoneware category. Since it is non-porous, water cannot penetrate its walls. The freeze thaw cycle cannot affect the integrity of our rustic pots. They have been tested at 20 degrees below zero and show no cracks! Additionally in hot climates stoneware retains moisture better, so watering is required less frequently. Glazed pottery is frost resistant.
Each piece is handmade and fired in wood burning kilns. A multitude of temperature, humidity, time and material variables, inherent in the forming and firing, creates products displaying subtle unique variations. Functional while aesthetically pleasing these pots will enhance any environment.
Large sized urns for the outdoors is our specialty. These statement pieces can be used for plants, trees, water gardens, fountains or simply as an objects of beauty.