Summary: Glazed ceramics give you the smooth, protective surface you feel when you run your hand over a mug, while underglaze is the stable color and artwork tucked safely beneath that glassy layer. Knowing the difference helps you choose handmade pieces that are both beautiful and practical for everyday love and use.

Glaze: The Glassy Armor

Ceramic educators at Just Fired Pottery describe glaze as a thin layer of glass fused to the clay at high temperatures—often around 2,000–2,300°F. It melts, flows, and then hardens into a protective skin.

That skin can be:

• glossy and mirror-bright,
• silky satin, or
• softly matte (like many modern stoneware sets mentioned by Joyye).

Glaze does three big jobs:

1. Seals the clay so it holds food, flowers, and memories without staining.
2. Smooths the surface so lips and fingertips feel comfortable.
3. Adds overall color or subtle shifts where it pools and thins.

For gifts like daily coffee mugs or family pasta bowls, a good glaze is what makes the piece durable, food-safe, and easy to care for.

Underglaze: The Artwork Underneath

Underglaze, as Tony Hansen at Digitalfire explains, is a highly pigmented, mostly non-melting color layer designed to sit beneath a clear glaze. It behaves more like paint than glass.

Ceramic artists at Bloody Pottery and Kness point out that underglazes are ideal when you want:

• crisp line drawings,
• lettering (names, dates, little love notes),
• detailed florals, animals, or story scenes, that stay sharp even after firing.

Because underglaze doesn’t run like many glazes, makers can:

• paint 2–3 thin coats for rich, even color,
• carve through it (sgraffito) to reveal contrasting clay,
• inlay it into lines (mishima) for delicate, permanent illustration.

Most studio potters then cover that artwork with a clear glaze so it becomes smooth, sealed, and ready to live on a kitchen shelf, not just in a display cabinet.

Nuance: Some “all-range” colors are technically glazes, even if they’re sold next to underglazes, so results can vary by brand.

How to Spot the Difference When You Shop

You don’t have to be a potter to read a ceramic surface. Here are quick clues while you browse handmade markets or an “Amazon-like” online shop:

• Look for depth: if you see a glossy clear layer over detailed painting, you’re probably looking at underglaze decoration under a transparent glaze.
• Check the lines: super-crisp drawings, tiny text, or graphic patterns that don’t blur at the edges usually come from underglaze.
• Notice the overall surface: if color looks more like a single flowing skin with variations where it pooled, that’s often just glaze (no underglaze artwork beneath).

As a sentimental curator, this is where I linger: a tiny underglazed leaf on a mug handle or a hand-lettered date under clear glaze turns a “pretty object” into a keepsake.

Which Is Better for Your Gift (and How to Care for It)

Both finishes can be wonderful—it depends on the story you want the gift to tell.

For everyday, functional gifts (coffee mugs, cereal bowls, kids’ hot chocolate cups):

• Choose pieces with underglaze decoration covered by a smooth clear glaze.
• Ask the maker if the glaze is food-safe and dishwasher-safe; many cone 6 stoneware glazes are designed for daily use.

For statement, display-first gifts (decorative plates, wall tiles, art vases):

• You can lean into bold glazes—glossy or matte—that transform in the kiln and feel more like abstract painting.
• Underglaze-heavy illustration is perfect if you want a narrative piece (a favorite place, a pet, a family motto).

Basic care to pass along with your gift card:

• Hand wash when in doubt, especially with matte glazes, to avoid creating shiny spots from abrasive scrubbers.
• Avoid harsh chemical cleaners; as makers like Annashipulina suggest, a soft cloth and mild soap are usually enough.
• For underglazed illustration under clear glaze, normal gentle use is fine—the art is locked safely beneath the glassy surface.

When you understand how glaze protects and how underglaze tells the story, you can choose ceramics that feel just right: a mug that will be reached for every morning, a platter that anchors Thanksgiving, or a little trinket dish that quietly holds a ring and a memory.

References

1. https://www.academia.edu/86222067/Ceramic_technology_How_to_characterise_ceramic_glazes
2. https://publicationsonline.carnegiescience.edu/publications_online/Ceramics_arch.pdf
3. https://upcommons.upc.edu/bitstreams/1ce08128-d6e4-4988-921a-9eddb6a6bfae/download
4. https://theartofeducation.edu/2018/05/6-different-ways-to-use-underglazes-with-ceramics/
5. https://diposit.ub.edu/dspace/bitstream/2445/176079/1/689648.pdf

About the author

Sophie Bennett

Senior Creative CuratorArtful Gifting SpecialistDIY & Customization Enthusiast

As the Senior Creative Curator at myArtsyGift, Sophie Bennett combines her background in Fine Arts with a passion for emotional storytelling. With over 10 years of experience in artisanal design and gift psychology, Sophie helps readers navigate the world of customizable presents. She believes that the best gifts aren't just bought—they are designed with heart. Whether you are looking for unique handcrafted pieces or tips on sentimental occasion planning, Sophie’s expert guides ensure your gift is as unforgettable as the moment it celebrates.