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How to list Pottery & Terracotta on JADUZ

A strong Pottery & Terracotta listing gives height, diameter and capacity in inches, centimetres and millilitres, says whether the clay is glazed or unglazed and how it was shaped and fired, and states plainly whether it holds water, is safe for food, and how to clean it. It mentions handmade marks honestly.

Pottery & Terracotta covers fired-clay pieces: vases, planters, cups and plates, cooking pots, painted pots such as shokher hari, wall plaques, figurines and glazed ceramics. The general rules for names, honest claims and the reply format are in the JADUZ listing guide; this page covers what is specific to clay.

What to measure and how to state it

Measure after firing, because clay shrinks in the kiln. Give inches first and centimetres in brackets.

  • Vessels: height, the widest diameter and the mouth diameter, for example 7 in (18 cm) tall, 6 in (15 cm) across, 3 in (8 cm) mouth.
  • Capacity for anything that holds liquid or food: fill it to a sensible level and measure, then give millilitres or litres, such as 300 ml or about 2 litres.
  • Plates and bowls: the diameter and the depth.
  • Plaques and tiles: height × width × thickness, and how it hangs.
  • Planters: the top diameter and height, whether there is a drainage hole, and whether a saucer is included.
  • Weight, because clay is heavier than buyers expect and it helps with wall fixings and delivery.

Hand-thrown pieces differ, so give a range if you sell several.

Materials and techniques to name

Say what clay you used, if you know (local river clay or a bought clay body), and how the piece was shaped: thrown on the wheel, hand-built, coiled, pinched or pressed in a mould. Then the firing: a wood or gas kiln, or an open firing, and how many times it was fired. Name the surface clearly:

  • Unglazed terracotta, which stays porous.
  • Glazed inside, outside or both, with the glaze colour.
  • Slip or burnished before firing.
  • Painted after firing, for example with acrylic paint. Paint added after firing is decorative and not washable like a glaze, so say so.

Care

Hand wash glazed pieces with mild soap. Rinse unglazed pieces in plain water, because they can absorb soap and smells. Avoid sudden heat changes, which can crack clay. Say whether a piece can go on a stove, in an oven, in a microwave or in a dishwasher only if you know; otherwise say it is not tested. For clay cooking pots, explain any seasoning you recommend before first use, such as soaking in water. Painted pieces should be dusted, not washed.

Example names

  • Hand-thrown terracotta planter with drainage hole and saucer, 6 in (15 cm)
  • Painted shokher hari clay pot, red and yellow fish motif, 7 in (18 cm) tall
  • Terracotta wall plaque, village scene in relief, 8 × 8 in (20 × 20 cm)
  • Glazed ceramic tea mug, blue drip glaze, 300 ml
  • Unglazed clay cooking pot with lid, about 2 litres

Questions buyers ask

  • Can I eat or drink from it? Is the glaze food-safe?
  • Will it hold water, or will it seep?
  • Can it go in the microwave, oven or on the stove?
  • How is it packed, and what happens if it arrives broken?
  • Are the small marks on the surface damage, or part of the making?

Words to avoid

Don't write "food-safe", "lead-free", "non-toxic" or "microwave-safe" unless you know the glaze and have checked it. Don't make health claims for clay pots, such as "makes water healthier". Leave out "unbreakable", "best quality", "100% pure clay" without a reason, "only a few left", invented discounts, ALL CAPS and emojis.

Good to know

Can I call my clay pieces food-safe?

Only if you know the glaze is made for food use and the piece was fired as the glaze requires. If you painted it after firing or you don't know the glaze, say 'for decoration only' or 'not tested for food use'. Unglazed cooking pots can be described by how they are traditionally used, without safety claims.

How do I describe the capacity of a cup or pot?

Fill it with water to the level a person would actually use, pour that into a measuring jug, and give the result in millilitres or litres, for example 300 ml. Add the height and diameter too. If pieces vary, give a range such as 250 to 300 ml.

Should I mention small cracks, pinholes or firing marks?

Yes. Explain which marks are a normal part of handmade, kiln-fired clay, such as uneven colour from the fire or small glaze pinholes, and photograph them. A real crack that affects use is a defect: don't list that piece as perfect. Honest notes prevent disappointed buyers.

How do I say whether a vase or planter holds water?

Test it: fill it and leave it for a day on a dry surface. Then write what happened, for example 'glazed inside, holds water' or 'unglazed, may seep: use a liner or dried flowers'. For planters, say whether there is a drainage hole and saucer.