Ceramics have offered many services to the human race since primordial times. It is one of the oldest trades and plays an important role in the daily life of many people. For archaeologists, ceramics can be the indicator of the development of a country.
Pottery is a very unique art of making clay artifacts. Today’s ceramic industries are not large scale, but work efficiently under small scale industrial groups. However, the trend is changing. This change is caused by the increase in per capita income of many developing countries which leads middle and upper class people to buy ceramic handicrafts, thus increasing the sale of ceramics.
Currently, Toshiba Ballotine Co. Ltd has a joint venture with Toshiba Corporation. The company deals with the manufacture and sale of glass beads in the ceramic industries. There are many glass industries around the world involved in the manufacture of reflective and pavement marking media as a fine abrasive for cleaning and finishing metal parts in the aerospace industry. Another company that deals in silica-based derivative products is PQ Corporation. In India, ceramics, glassware and kitchenware industries are fast developing industries. Some of the leading companies in India are Hitkari Ceramics, Jaipur Glass Industries, Palam Potteries, Heritage Pottery, Pelican Pottery etc. During the time of the Deepawali festival, approximately 100 lakhs per month is spent on pottery. Village pottery is sold in the smaller societies in India and with the help of these markets, pottery has become very popular.
THE CERAMIC INDUSTRY IN ASIA TODAY-
India, Pakistan, Nepal, Iran, China, the United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka are the main Asian nations that produce and export ceramic items. The ceramic industries in Asian countries provide benefits both in employment and in the standard of living for both the rural and metropolitan population. This industry plays an important role in the total GDP of these Asian countries and plays an important role in currencies.
THE CERAMIC INDUSTRY IN PRESENT AFRICA
The ceramics industry in Africa is highly organized and well managed, providing employment opportunities for a significant part of the population. This economic activity is benefiting the country’s national growth and provides employment to the poor and marginalized sectors of society. The main ceramic manufacturers in Africa are: Western Cape, Morocco, Liberia, Eastern Cape, Cameroon, Gauteng, Kwa Zulu and Natal.
EUROPE-
France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Germany are the main producers and exporters of ceramics in Europe.
AUSTRALIA
Australia manufactures and exports ceramic vases, porcelain household items, tableware and ceramic framed mirrors.
