Difference Between Pottery and Ceramics
Quick Answer
Pottery refers to functional items made from clay (bowls, mugs, vases). Ceramics is the broader category that includes pottery, tiles, bricks, and sculpture. All pottery is ceramic, but not all ceramics are pottery.
| Aspect | Pottery | Ceramics |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Functional clay objects | All fired clay products |
| Examples | Bowls, mugs, plates, vases | Pottery + tiles, bricks, sculpture |
| Purpose | Primarily functional | Functional & decorative |
Simple rule: If you can eat or drink from it, it's pottery. If it's fired clay but not functional tableware, it's ceramics (but not pottery).