EASTERN | DESERT | WARE
EXPERIMENTAL | POTTERY | PRODUCTION
The basic shape of the pot is formed by pinching it out of a ball of clay, smoothing out a spiral of clay or by connecting a ring of clay to a flat bottom. Immediately after this the surfaces are smoothed and handles or a spout are attached. Tools that may prove helpful include a knife and a plaster mold.
A few hours later the pot is 'leather hard'. Its form can no longer be changed, but the surfaces can be corrected and impressed or incised decorations can be made.

After about a week the pot is 'bone dry'. It can now be sanded to correct uneven surfaces or shape. In antiquity sand or pumice may have been used.
The pot, or part of it, can now be 'burnished' (polished) by rubbing a stone, or the back of a spoon, over the slightly oiled, or slipped, surface. A 'slip' is a thin suspension of clay that is used prepare the clay for burnishing or changing the color of a pot. Clays that make good slip are highly valued.
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