12 x Hot wine earthernware 0,2l red cups - mugs - Glühweinbecher 0,2l.

12 x Hot wine earthernware 0,2l red cups - mugs - Glühweinbecher 0,2l.

These Hot Wine Earthenware 0.2L Cups / Mugs (Glühweinbecher 0.2L) are traditional mugs designed for serving Glühwein (mulled wine) or other hot beverages during the colder months, especially at Christmas markets or festive gatherings.
Key Features:

Material: Made of earthenware, a durable ceramic material that retains heat well, keeping beverages warm for longer.
Size: Holds 0.2 liters (approximately 7 ounces) of liquid, the perfect size for a serving of Glühwein, hot cider, or other warm drinks.
Design: These mugs often feature festive designs such as winter landscapes, holiday scenes, or seasonal decorations. They may also be decorated with logos from Christmas markets or event-specific artwork.
Use: Ideal for enjoying hot beverages like Glühwein, hot chocolate, or coffee, especially outdoors or at winter events.

These Glühwein mugs are not only functional for keeping your drink warm, but also add to the festive atmosphere during holiday celebrations. Many people collect them as souvenirs from Christmas markets around Europe.

Earthenware is a type of ceramic that has been used for centuries to create a variety of pottery and everyday items. It is made from clay, which is shaped and fired at relatively low temperatures compared to other types of ceramics like stoneware or porcelain. The production process of earthenware involves several key steps, from preparing the clay to firing and glazing.

Earthenware Production Process:

1. Raw Material (Clay) Preparation:

   • Clay Selection: The production of earthenware starts with selecting the appropriate clay. Earthenware clay is typically softer and more porous than stoneware or porcelain clays.
   • Clay Processing: The clay is cleaned and mixed with water to achieve the right consistency, removing any impurities. Sometimes, additives are mixed into the clay to improve its strength or firing properties.

2. Shaping:

   • Hand-Forming: Traditional techniques like pinching, coiling, or slab building are used to hand-shape the clay into the desired form.
   • Wheel Throwing: A more advanced technique is using a potter’s wheel, where the clay is shaped by hand while spinning on a rotating wheel.
   • Molding: For mass production, clay can be pressed or slip-cast into pre-made molds to create uniform shapes.

3. Drying:

   • Once the object is shaped, it is allowed to dry slowly to avoid cracking. The drying process can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the size and complexity of the item.
   • Leather Hard: At this stage, the clay is firm but still contains some moisture. This is when additional details, like handles or decorations, are often added.
   • Bone Dry: The clay reaches the bone-dry stage when all moisture has evaporated and it’s ready for firing.

4. First Firing (Bisque Firing):

   • The dried piece is placed in a kiln and fired at a lower temperature (typically between 1000°C – 1150°C or 1832°F – 2102°F). This process is called bisque firing, which hardens the clay and makes it more durable, although still porous.
   • After the bisque firing, the piece is now known as bisque ware.

5. Glazing (Optional):

   • Once the item is bisque-fired, a layer of glaze may be applied to give it colour, shine, and make it waterproof. Glaze is a liquid mixture of silica, fluxes, and metal oxides, which melts into a glass-like coating when fired again.
   • Glazing can be done in various ways, such as dipping, spraying, or brushing the glaze onto the bisque-fired piece.

6. Second Firing (Glaze Firing):

   • After glazing, the piece undergoes a second firing at a higher temperature (typically between 950°C – 1050°C, or 1742°F – 1922°F). This process melts the glaze, creating a smooth, often glossy finish on the surface.
   • The result is a finished earthenware piece, which is durable, functional, and often beautifully decorated.

7. Decoration (Optional):

   • Some earthenware pieces are decorated with hand-painted designs, transfers, or printed patterns either before or after the glaze is applied. Decorative techniques can include underglaze painting (done before the glaze) or overglaze enamelling (done after the glaze firing).

Characteristics of Earthenware:

• Porosity: Earthenware is more porous than stoneware or porcelain, so it often requires a glaze to make it watertight.
• Softness: It is softer and more fragile compared to other ceramics, which makes it easier to shape but also less durable unless glazed.
• Lower Firing Temperature: Earthenware is fired at a lower temperature, making it more energy-efficient in production but also less heat-resistant.
• Colour: Natural earthenware clay is typically red or buff-coloured, but it can be glazed or painted in a variety of colours.

Common Uses:

• Tableware: Cups, plates, bowls, and mugs.
• Decorative Pottery: Vases, figurines, and tiles.
• Storage: Jars and pots used for food storage.
• Flower Pots: Unglazed earthenware is commonly used for plant pots due to its porosity.

Earthenware is popular for its rustic charm, versatility, and the artisanal qualities that come with hand-made production techniques.

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