Because of its tendency to leave behind barely any traces of its processing, the history of earthenware clay has never been significantly studied in many areas of the world. Earthenware clay is known as a low-fire clay, requiring a significantly lower firing temperature than that of stoneware or porcelain. Because they maintain their porosity even after firing, items made from earthenware clay are resistant to breakage from heat. This makes this type of clay ideal for creating cookware that will be exposed to high temperatures during the process of food preparation. This clay is also used by artists due to its extreme elasticity and ability to be easily shaped.
Stoneware is a clay that becomes very dense, hard and nonporous after firing. Because fired stoneware is so nonporous and water-tight, this type of clay can be used to store liquids. In some areas of southeast Asia, stoneware containers were used before the introduction of more modern materials, such as glass and metal. In ancient times, containers made from stoneware were used for the general storage of most liquids and dry goods. Although it does not require firing temperatures as high as that of porcelain, stoneware clay must be fired at a significantly higher temperature than is used for earthenware clay.
Because it was first used in China between the years of 619 to 907, this type of clay has acquired such nicknames as "china" and "chinaware." Once fired, porcelain clay becomes translucent, almost glass-like in appearance. Feldspar clay makes up the silica component of this type of clay. It is this feldspar that vitrifies when fired, and is responsible for creating the translucent appearance of porcelain. Also known as kaolin, porcelain clay is very fine. This makes it well-suited for such traditional items, such as tea services, and less suitable for artistic sculpture. In Europe, porcelain goods began to be produced around the year 1575, in Florence, Italy. According to figurines-sculpture.com, some areas of England also contain great quantities of porcelain clay. In the mid-18th century, items made from English porcelain clay began to be produced.