Ceramic ware that has been fired once without a glaze, transforming the raw clay into a permanent, hardened state. In this form, the clay is no longer water-soluble but remains highly porous, which is essential for absorbing liquid glazes evenly. Bisque is sturdy enough to handle safely during the glazing and decorating processes without dissolving or crumbling.
Heard on the job
Wipe the dust off the bisque with a damp sponge before you dip it in the clear glaze.
Also heard as
- biscuit
Do not mix it up with
- Greenware: Greenware is unfired and fragile, whereas bisque has been fired once and is permanently hardened.