Which term describes a clay body fired at relatively low temperatures and is porous?

• A. Earthenware
• B. Bisque
• C. Firing
• D. Chroma

Answer: (A)

Earthenware describes a clay body fired at relatively low temperatures and kept porous. Because it’s fired at lower heat, it doesn’t vitrify as fully as higher-fire clays, so the material remains porous unless a glaze is applied. You’ll often see earthenware in red or orange tones (terracotta) and it’s commonly used for pottery and decorative pieces that are glazed to become watertight. In contrast, the term bisque refers to the first firing stage itself, not a clay body; firing is the heating process used to harden clay; and chroma relates to color, not the clay body type.