Pottery is the art and craft of shaping clay into functional (like bowls, mugs) or decorative (like sculptures, vases) objects, which are then hardened by firing at high temperatures in a kiln, making them durable. It's an ancient technology, a type of ceramic, that involves molding pliable clay and transforming it through heat into strong, lasting forms, blending practical use with creative expression.
Ceramics is a broader term for non-metallic, inorganic materials fired at
high heat (like bricks, tiles, porcelain). Pottery specifically refers to
clay-based ceramic items, often made in smaller scales and known for
artistic appeal, whereas ceramics can include highly engineered industrial
products.