If the piece is not functional, but purely decorative, the look of the finished piece has to do only with the process and the imagination of the creator. Because the variety of terms used to describe ceramics can become confusing, a few definitions may be helpful. Earthenware is a pottery made from porous clay that is fired at relatively low temperatures. Faience, delft, and majolica are examples of earthenware. Majolica is tin-glazed earthenware that is often richly colored and decorated, especially earthenware of this type produced in Italy, or a pottery made in imitation of this earthenware.
China is high-quality porcelain or ceramic ware, originally made in China.
Stoneware is heavy, nonporous, non-translucent pottery, such as jasper ware, that is fired at high temperature. Terra Cotta refers to hard, semi-fired, waterproof ceramic clay, or ceramic wares made of this material. Anagama is an ancient type of kiln originating in Japan, which uses a wood fire to produce natural ash glazing. Raku refers to a method of firing ceramics that results in a distinctive glaze. Raku can be done with several different techniques.