A ceramic ware created by wedging together two or more contrasting colors of clay body, usually brown, red, and white. As the clay is thrown on the wheel or pressed into a mold, the distinct colors stretch and swirl without blending completely. The resulting piece features a marbled or banded pattern running entirely through the wall of the vessel, unlike surface decorations or slips.
Heard on the job
The swirl pattern on this agateware bowl got a bit muddy during the final pulls on the wheel.
Insider tip
Too much wedging or over-working on the wheel will blend the clays into a single muddy color, destroying the agate effect.