Firing temperature in ceramics is measured in "cones" (pyrometric cones), which measure heat work — the combination of temperature and time — not temperature alone.

Common ranges:
- **Cone 06–04**: earthenware glaze firing (~1000°C). Porous body; glaze seals surface.
- **Cone 6**: mid-fire stoneware (~1230°C). Good for production pottery; most studio clays.
- **Cone 10**: high-fire stoneware and porcelain (~1300°C). Dense, durable; traditional reduction atmosphere.

The body and glaze must be compatible — they expand and contract at similar rates. Mismatch causes crazing (network of fine cracks) or shivering (glaze flaking).

Related: [[urushi-lacquer-technique]]