An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c16.s16.21

v1.c16.s16.21

For the above it seems that the black polish or slip of the NBPW is the result of (1) reducing fire, (2) the fineness of the *kabiz* or slip and the iron oxide added to it, and (3) the degree of temperature. While the first two conditions are essential for the black polish, the temperature determines whether it would be matt, glossy or glossy with metallic sheen. It also determines the hardness of the ware. Thus the ware which has received the lowest temperature is soft and has a matt surface. The ware which has received a higher temperature is glossy and hard but the one which has received the highest fire is the hardest and has a metallic sheen on it. The degree of heat given to the ware can also be broadly determined from the sound it gives when struck. Those pieces having a metallic sheen give a sharper note than those pieces having a matt appearance.