Salt Glaze

Salt glaze is a technique associated with high-fired stoneware. Salt introduced into the hot kiln reacts with silica in the clay to form a thin, hard glaze.

Identification

The surface often has an orange-peel texture and may be glossy or semi-glossy. Cobalt-blue decoration is common on German Westerwald stoneware. Decoration may be incised, stamped, moulded or painted with metallic oxides.

History and condition

Westerwald, Siegburg and Frechen are important centres; the technique later spread to Britain and North America. Check hairlines, chips, adhesive and filled losses. On tankards inspect pewter lids and hinges. Uneven glaze and firing marks may be production features.