Byzantine and Christian Museum :: Permanent exhibition .::. II. The Byzantine World .::. ΙΙ.7. Aspects of public and private life
Ceramic tripod stilts (01233)
Exhibition room: II.7 Aspects of public and private life
Date: Late Byzantine period
Dimensions (cm): 5,8 Χ 2,6
They are small, triangular, clay objects with three small feet, which were placed between vessels stacked upside down in piles in the kiln. This prevented the dishes sticking to one another when the increase in temperature caused the glaze to liquefy during the firing process. The tripod stilts were mainly used for vessels of an open shape, such as bowls and plates. Once firing was complete the tripod stilts were detached, nevertheless leaving three characteristic imprints on the surface of the ceramic. They began to be used after 1200 and were a considerable help in increasing productivity, leading to mass production of these wares, as more ceramics could now be fitted into a kiln.