An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c16.s16.20

v1.c16.s16.20

Vessels were made of finely levigated clay obtained from the Varanasi Waterworks on the potter's wheel, fettled, cleaned and dried. The dried pots were given a smear or dip containing a low temperature fusible clay with a little soda or borax and a little portion or colouring metallic oxide, e.g. Fe or Cu or even both. After this *kabiz* was applied over the pots, which were then fired in large earthen pots containing rice husk. The mouths of the pots were closed so as to ensure a complete reducing condition and the pots were fired in the ordinary potter's kiln. After firing the wares got a black shining appearance similar to that of the NBPW. The *kabiz* referred to above consisted of *kabiz* 1 kg, bark of green mango trees 375 g, soda ash 23·32 g, green *babul* tree leaves 11·66 g and catechu 23·32 g. These ingredients were mixed with a suitable quantity of water, pounded together and left for a few days, after which they were pounded again and mixed thoroughly with some more water. The pounded barks and leaves were carefully removed. The whole *kabiz* slurry was sieved and was ready for use.