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  4. Materials & Techniques

Materials & Techniques

There is no limit to the extraordinary materials and techniques used to create and give meaning to each object in our collections. How artists turn raw materials—clay, metals, minerals, and much more—into exquisite displays of form and function can seem magical. We invite you to take a closer look at common materials and techniques used across cultures throughout history.

Close-up view of a shimmery, reflective, bluish-purple ceramic glaze that is textured with spots and bumps. A close-up view of washes of black ink in different tones and textures on a light brown ground. A gold-and-black screen with wispily painted reeds, staggered blocks of Japanese calligraphy, and a brushed, speckled gold texture.
  • Iridescence
  • Ink
  • Gold

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