Understanding Animal-Derived Ingredients in Pottery Glaze
The most common animal-derived ingredient used in pottery glaze, and ceramic bodies like bone china, is bone ash. This fine white powder is made from the ground-up bones of animals, typically cows. Historically and presently, bone ash is added to both clay and glaze recipes to improve a piece's strength, translucency, and resistance to thermal shock. While synthetic alternatives are available, bone ash is still used in many traditional and contemporary recipes.
Other Hidden Animal Products in the Studio
Beyond the glaze mixture itself, there are other hidden animal products in the broader ceramics process that a vegan crafter must be aware of. These include:
- Shellac: A resin secreted by lac beetles, often used as a resist for decorative techniques.
- Brushes: Many non-synthetic brushes are made from animal hair, such as goat hair used for hake brushes.
- Marine Sponges: Natural sponges, used for smoothing rims and other delicate tasks, are the skeletons of marine animals.
- Chamois Leather: This soft leather is used for burnishing or smoothing the edges of pottery.
- Beeswax: Occasionally used in wax resist finishes or varnish for un-fired pieces.
How to Identify a Vegan Glaze
Ensuring a glaze is vegan requires careful research and communication with suppliers. Most reputable manufacturers provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS) that list all ingredients, allowing potters to check for bone ash explicitly. However, it is often easier to rely on a manufacturer's explicit vegan-friendly labeling or confirmation. The ceramics community, including online forums and social media, is also a great resource for identifying and sharing information about vegan-friendly products. For example, the community on Reddit's r/Pottery has discussed the topic in depth.
Vegan-Friendly Glaze and Supply Brands
Several well-regarded ceramics brands have confirmed that all or most of their product lines are vegan. These manufacturers typically use synthetic versions of bone ash or rely on alternative mineral-based ingredients entirely.
| Brand | Vegan-Friendly Status | Key Takeaways |
|---|---|---|
| Amaco | All clay and glazes confirmed vegan; uses synthetic bone ash. | A reliable and widely available choice for vegan potters. |
| BOTZ | Believes all products to be vegan and cruelty-free; does not add animal-derived ingredients. | Excellent for those prioritizing cruelty-free production. |
| Spectrum | Confirmed all glazes are vegan-friendly. | Another great option for a wide range of colors. |
| Clayscapes | All current glaze lines are vegan. | Good for those who need more specialized glaze options. |
| Mayco | Majority of glazes are vegan; explicitly lists a few glazes that contain bone ash. | Requires checking product lists to avoid specific non-vegan options. |
| Laguna | Majority are vegan; explicitly lists specific cone 10 glazes with bone ash. | Like Mayco, requires careful verification of product selection. |
Alternatives to Animal-Derived Ingredients
For potters interested in creating their own vegan glazes or simply understanding the alternatives, several mineral-based and plant-based options exist. Instead of bone ash, synthetic versions of calcium phosphate can be used to achieve similar effects of translucency and strength. The ancient art of ash glazing, which uses the ash of various plants as a flux, is a completely natural and vegan alternative that offers unique, earthy results.
Ethical Considerations and Conscious Crafting
Choosing vegan glazes and tools is part of a larger movement toward more ethical and conscious crafting. Potters who embrace vegan practices often extend their ethics to other areas of their work, such as sourcing materials from environmentally and socially responsible suppliers. This can include using sustainable wood for firing, recycling all unfired clay and glaze waste, and avoiding materials with known toxic components like lead or chromium. By making intentional choices at every step, from material sourcing to tool selection, a potter can create beautiful work that aligns with their values.
Practical Steps for Vegan Potters
- Vet Suppliers: Before purchasing, check the manufacturer's website for an ingredients list or contact them directly for confirmation of vegan products.
- Embrace Synthetic Tools: Opt for synthetic brushes and cellulose or synthetic sponges instead of animal-hair or marine-based ones.
- Read Labels: Pay close attention to product labels for specific ingredients, as some brands might contain a mix of vegan and non-vegan options.
- DIY Vegan Options: Consider experimenting with making your own glazes using plant ash or other mineral ingredients to ensure full control over the process.
- Check Tools for Leather: Be mindful of leather on tool handles or chamois leather used for finishing.
Conclusion
Not all pottery glaze is vegan due to the common use of animal-derived ingredients like bone ash. However, with the growing interest in ethical crafting, many major suppliers now offer extensive lines of vegan-friendly glazes. By carefully researching brands, checking product information, and opting for synthetic or plant-based alternatives, it is entirely possible to create beautiful ceramics while remaining committed to a vegan lifestyle. A conscious approach to sourcing materials, including glazes and tools, ensures that your art is not only visually pleasing but also ethically sound.
