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DEMON BOTTLE

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DEMON BOTTLE

An example of a hyperthermic jug made by Clayton Bailey. Hyperthermic ceramics are made from terra cotta clay which has been fired to stoneware temperature. Hyperthermic pots are reshaped by the kiln because the carbon and the fluxes in the clay cause lumps, bumps and pinholes to be formed in the body of the pot during the firing process.

This normally shaped jug was intentionally fired beyond the maturation temperature of the clay. The clay slumps, swells, and bloats; it softens and and flows like volcanic rock in the fire of the kiln.

During the firing, he pot is carefully watched through a spy hole in the kiln. When the clay has deformed just enough, the burners are shut-down and the kiln is allowed to cool.

This jug grew like a loaf of bread during the firing because of heavy reduction and high temperatures.

Confining a traditional Demon in a terra cotta bottle would cause similar thermal damage to the ceramic materials.