Features Of Pottery. History

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Many peoples attached more importance to clay utensils than other common household items. This thing was sometimes of a ritual nature. In one vessel, all 4 natural elements are involved in the manufacture: earth, fire, water, air. During firing, special strength is imparted. When did the culture of clay life emerge?

A bit of history

During the expedition, ancient remains of civilization were discovered in China. Earthen vessels are attributed to the age of 20 thousand years. In Russia, similar artifacts date back to the 12th millennium. They were found during excavations in the Far East, in Transbaikalia.

Earthenware has always been in demand in Russia. Each settlement had its own master potter. The items were in demand equally among the poor and the rich.

The pots were used for cooking cabbage soup, soups, second courses, and porridge in the oven. Kvass, mead, beer, milk, water were kept in jugs and kryinkas. Larger containers were used for bulk products.

With the advent of utensils made of precious metals (gold, silver), pewter, clay utensils were made in simple versions for the poor. Until now, in the huts of the older generation, you can find such household items.

An interesting fact is the use of glazed jugs in church architecture. They were placed within the walls of temples to amplify the sounds during the service. Objects of architecture are found in the cathedrals of Nizhny Novgorod, Moscow, Veliky Novgorod.

The displacement of stone ovens with gas, electric stoves reduced the need to buy ceramic braziers. But in recent years, there has been a surge in the popularity of earthenware cooking containers.

Household hypotheses

There are several hypotheses about the usefulness of dishes made from natural materials for humans:

1. Environmental. The absence of oxidative processes, excludes the ingress of toxins into the body. In ancient times, it was believed that eating from clay pots purified the blood. Crashing, objects return to their original state without contaminating the environment with harmful substances.

2. Energy. Natural material from the upper layer collects the powerful energy of the Earth and Space. When the hands of the master come into contact with the base, positive emotions and mood are transferred to the dishes. In the process of cooking in a Russian oven, the food was enriched with the energy of fire from the wood. The smell of smoke gave a special aroma.

3. Psychological. Beautiful products are pleasing to the aesthetic perception. Genetic memory tells you that the food is delicious. Associations arise with a cozy home, reliable protection, and the warmth of the hearth. The work of the potter creates harmony of the master's personality. Unbalance leads to product breakage or irregular shape. Therefore, the successful manufacturing process is all about a positive attitude.

These factors are scientifically confirmed in the modern world.

Scientific facts

Earthenware is capable of concentrating heat inside itself, cooling slowly over several hours. There is a process of uniform simmering of products in their own juice. Sometimes 2-3 tablespoons of water are added for the initial stage of fluid separation. When fully cooked, the dish is left covered for 20 minutes. This technique improves the taste.

Gentle heat treatment preserves most of the vitamins in their original form. The mineral constituent remains inside the products, it is not released into the broth.

The porous structure initially absorbs excess water during cooking, and returns it back when it cools. The food remains juicy, the taste of the ingredients does not change.

Storing bulk, liquid products in earthenware containers prevents the appearance of moldy fungi and harmful bugs. Honey, herbal teas retain, sometimes increase their medicinal properties. Milk does not sour longer without a refrigerator. Chilled drinks: kvass, fruit drink keep their coolness on a hot day.

Nutritionists have proven the usefulness of stewed food. It is far ahead of fried, boiled, baked products in quality.

We will consider the rules of care, cooking in the next article.