What does bisque refer to in pottery?

Bisque refers to pottery that has undergone the first firing and has been hardened but is still unglazed. This stage of pottery is crucial because, after the initial firing, the clay structure becomes more stable and less porous than unfired clay, allowing for glazing to be applied without the piece collapsing or deforming. The bisque firing helps to ensure that the glaze adheres properly in the subsequent firing.

When clay has been bisque-fired, it can be handled and decorated, enabling artists to refine their work before applying glaze. This state is an essential step in the ceramic process, as it prepares the piece for further finishing and provides a suitable surface for glaze application.

The other choices describe different states of clay or pottery. Wet and moldable clay is known as plastic clay, unfired clay is simply called greenware, and clay that is too dry has reached a stage where it is difficult to work with, often referred to as leather-hard or completely dry. Understanding these distinctions is important for anyone studying or working in ceramics and pottery.