10 Weird Things About Pottery

Pottery has been part of everyday life for thousands of years, yet it’s full of oddities, surprises and downright strange facts. From ancient mistakes baked forever into clay to the curious habits of collectors, here are ten weird and wonderful things about pottery you might not know.

1. Broken pottery is often more valuable than perfect pieces

Archaeologists prize broken shards (called sherds) because they reveal how people actually lived. A cracked bowl can tell more stories than a pristine display piece.

2. Pottery remembers everything

Clay has an excellent memory. Every fingerprint, wobble or tool mark stays locked in once fired — even tiny mistakes are immortalised forever.

3. Some glazes were accidentally toxic

Historically, glazes containing lead were common. They produced beautiful finishes… and occasionally poisoned people. Thankfully, contemporary and modern tableware is far safer.

4. Kilns can explode (dramatically)

If moisture is trapped inside clay, it can turn to steam in the kiln and cause pieces to explode, sometimes taking neighbouring pots with them.

5. Pottery predates metal tools

Humans were making pottery long before metalworking. Clay vessels existed before swords, coins and even written language.

6. A “factory flaw” can increase desirability

Misprints, colour variations and odd stampings are often more collectible than standard production pieces.

7. Pottery ages better than most materials

Wood rots, fabric decays — but pottery survives millennia. That’s why museums are full of pots and not ancient sofas.

8. Patterns were often renamed mid-production

The same design can exist under different names, confusing collectors and making china matching delightfully tricky.

9. Pottery can sound different when damaged

A fine crack can change the ring of a plate. Many collectors gently tap pieces to “listen” for damage.

10. People form emotional bonds with plates

It sounds odd, but it’s true. Pottery marks family events, holidays and routines; which is why replacing one missing piece can matter so much!