A small sample of clay or glazed ceramic placed in the kiln to test firing conditions, temperature, or glaze development. Potters often draw trials from the kiln using tongs during the firing to physically check if the target temperature or atmosphere has been reached. They are also used extensively in formulation to test new clay bodies or glaze recipes before committing a full batch.
Heard on the job
Pull a trial from the spyhole and see if the glaze has melted yet.
Also heard as
- test tile
- draw trial