Pottery is one of the oldest crafts the Amish have preserved unchanged.
Clay
Often from their own land. Dig, clean of stones, soak, knead. Good clay is plastic, doesn't crack when drying. If local clay is poor — buy powdered.
Potter's Wheel
Kick wheel — no electricity. Flywheel below, platform above. Potter kicks to spin, shapes by hand. Fine work: walls 3-5 mm, even. Learning: 2-3 years to confident mastery.
Firing
Wood-fired kiln. First firing (bisque): 900°C, 8-12 hours. Glaze (glass coating). Second firing: 1200-1300°C, 10-16 hours. Temperature monitored with Orton cones (small clay pyramids that melt at specific temperatures).
Products
Plates, bowls, mugs, pitchers, vases, storage crocks. Functional pottery — not decorative. Every piece must work.
Prices
Mug: $15-30. Plate: $20-40. Pitcher: $40-80. 6-piece dinner set: $200-500. Handmade, at market or by order.