Ceramics Industry in Pakistan
CERAMICS
The word ceramic is derived from the word (keramikos). "Ceramics" means articles and objects made of clay with definite/permanent shape and fired at high temperatures. Clay is the only one and the unique material which when moistened with a suitable quantity of water, develops "PLASTICITY" which helps in manufacturing unlimited number of objects in various shapes and sizes.
CERAMICS BEFORE CHRIST
Ceramics is one of the most ancient industries on the planet. Once humans discovered that clay could be dug up and formed into objects by first mixing with water and then firing, the industry was born. As early as 24,000 BC, animal and human figurines were made from clay and other materials, and then fired in kilns partially dug into the ground.
The Greeks developed the initial stages of ceramics and the Egyptians discovered various contributory stones and soils thousands of years ago. They developed new techniques and added new colors to the ceramics. The manufacture of ceramic wares was carried out in Spain during the time of the Muslims and the Hispano & Morison golden pottery became famous all over the world during the 14th century.
Almost 10,000 years later, as settled communities were established, tiles were manufactured in Mesopotamia and India. The first use of functional pottery vessels for storing water and food is thought to be around 9,000 or 10,000 BC. Clay bricks were also made around the same time.
CERAMICS IN THE SUB-CONTINENT
In sub-continent, Ceramics were such as pottery and tiles with motifs besides being decorative and functional also depict our cultural heritage. For centuries ceramics as a form of craft, was passed on from generation to the other in our country, just stopping short of becoming a fully fledged industry. Blue pottery of Multan, for example, is dated back to the emergence of Muslim civilization in these regions. Motifs and figures from old historical forts, tombs, gardens and other buildings provide a tender touch
The word ceramic is derived from the word (keramikos). "Ceramics" means articles and objects made of clay with definite/permanent shape and fired at high temperatures. Clay is the only one and the unique material which when moistened with a suitable quantity of water, develops "PLASTICITY" which helps in manufacturing unlimited number of objects in various shapes and sizes.
CERAMICS BEFORE CHRIST
Ceramics is one of the most ancient industries on the planet. Once humans discovered that clay could be dug up and formed into objects by first mixing with water and then firing, the industry was born. As early as 24,000 BC, animal and human figurines were made from clay and other materials, and then fired in kilns partially dug into the ground.
The Greeks developed the initial stages of ceramics and the Egyptians discovered various contributory stones and soils thousands of years ago. They developed new techniques and added new colors to the ceramics. The manufacture of ceramic wares was carried out in Spain during the time of the Muslims and the Hispano & Morison golden pottery became famous all over the world during the 14th century.
Almost 10,000 years later, as settled communities were established, tiles were manufactured in Mesopotamia and India. The first use of functional pottery vessels for storing water and food is thought to be around 9,000 or 10,000 BC. Clay bricks were also made around the same time.
CERAMICS IN THE SUB-CONTINENT
In sub-continent, Ceramics were such as pottery and tiles with motifs besides being decorative and functional also depict our cultural heritage. For centuries ceramics as a form of craft, was passed on from generation to the other in our country, just stopping short of becoming a fully fledged industry. Blue pottery of Multan, for example, is dated back to the emergence of Muslim civilization in these regions. Motifs and figures from old historical forts, tombs, gardens and other buildings provide a tender touch