What is ceramic lustre?

Ceramic lustre is a type of glaze that is applied to ceramics to provide a shiny, metallic appearance. It is created by firing a thin layer of metallic oxide onto the surface of the ceramic piece, which produces a reflective sheen that appears iridescent in certain lighting.

Lustre glazes can be applied over other glazes or directly onto the clay body before firing. They are typically applied in small, controlled amounts using a brush or spray. The use of lustre glazes dates back to ancient Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cultures, and was popular in the Islamic world during the 10th to 13th centuries.

Today, lustre glazes are used by ceramic artists to create unique, decorative finishes on a range of functional and sculptural pieces. They are available in a variety of shades, including gold, copper, silver, and pewter. While lustre glazes can be stunning, they are also more challenging to work with than other glazes and require specialized firing techniques to achieve the desired effect.