Art and craft of creating objects from clay and other ceramic materials, shaping them, and then hardening them through firing in a kiln. These objects, often vessels like bowls, plates, and vases, can be both functional and decorative. The process involves shaping the clay, drying it, and then firing it at high temperatures to create a durable, hard material. 
Here's a more detailed look:
Key aspects of pottery:
Shaping:
Clay is shaped by hand (hand-building) or using a potter's wheel (wheel throwing). 
Firing:
The shaped clay is then fired in a kiln at high temperatures (usually over 1000°F or 538°C), which hardens the clay, making it strong and durable. 
Types of Pottery:
Pottery can be broadly classified into earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain, each with different firing temperatures and properties. 
Functionality and Decoration:
Pottery can be purely functional, like plates and bowls, or decorative, like vases and sculptures. It can also be decorated with glazes, paints, and carvings. 
Historical Significance:
Pottery is one of the oldest human technologies and arts, with archaeological evidence found worldwide. Pottery provides insights into past cultures and lifestyles. 
Artistic Expression:
Pottery is also a form of art, with potters expressing their creativity through form, color, and surface decoration. 
Clay and Materials:
Pottery is made from clay, a naturally occurring material, often mixed with other materials (temper) to improve its properties.