Ceramic and terracotta are commonly used as materials to create pottery, tiles, and other decorative collectibles or functional items. Yet not everyone knows that although there are many similarities between the two, there are also some important differences. Are you familiar with them?

Ceramic refers to any material made by firing clay at high temperatures. It is a broad term that can include a wide variety of clay types, including porcelain, stoneware, and terracotta. Ceramic objects can be glazed or unglazed and can have a range of different finishes, colors, and textures.

Because of its versatility, ceramics have always been a material of great importance in interior design and decoration. Since Etruscan times, ceramics have been used in Italy to produce decorative objects, plates, vases, and figurines, as well as architectural elements such as panels, stoves, and tiles. Hand-painted ceramics with decorative motifs, such as flowers or landscapes, are particularly sought after, and in Italy there are manufactures of excellence in this field, such as those in Capodimonte, Deruta, or Faenza.

Terracotta, on the other hand, is a specific type of clay that is reddish-brown in color and is a very porous material that is typically used to make flowerpots, statues and other outdoor decorations. The name "terracotta," which is derived from the Italian words "terra"(earth) and "cotta" (cooked) refers to the typical color of this material, a tone so perfect and identifiable that it is most often left au natural.

A key difference between pottery and terracotta is the firing temperature. Terracotta is fired at a lower temperature than most ceramics, which means it is more fragile, prone to cracking and breaking when exposed to extreme temperature changes. Ceramic, on the other hand, can withstand higher temperatures and is generally more durable.

Color is often the element that differentiates the appearance of terracotta from ceramics, which can be made in a wide range of finishes, but we also need to note that terracotta, being a porous material, often has a rougher, more rustic texture than ceramics.

In a few words, although both ceramics and terracotta are made from clay and are used for similar purposes, they differ in firing temperatures, durability, and appearance. The term ceramic encompasses a broader spectrum of workmanship that includes many different types of clay, while terracotta specifically refers to a type of reddish-brown clay that is often unglazed.

To better understand the qualities of these materials and the decorative potential they can unleash, just browse through intOndo's artistic ceramic catalog or scroll through our selection of terracotta vintage creations. There really is something for every taste and style, from classic to modern.