• Conservation Science in Museum
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• v.25
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• pp.35-50
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• 2021

This study analyzed the basic properties of soil material gathered around Maegok-dong in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do Province (hereafter, "Maegok soil") and the physicochemical changes in the Maegok soil resulting from the addition of other clay materials in order to present scientific information about the properties of clay available for pottery production. Gravel, coarse sand, and fine sand account for 73% of the total mass of the Maegok soil. Therefore, it required refinement through sifting in order to serve in pottery clay. After sifting, the amount of silt and clay in the soil increased to 95% of the total mass. However, since it lacked plasticity and viscosity, buncheong soil was added. When it was mixed with bungcheong soil at a ratio of 7:3, Maegok soil improved as pottery clay as its viscosity increased, demonstrating compositional properties appropriate for ceramic clay even after firing. Further, its water-absorption rate was decreased to 0.40. This means that soil gathered from anywhere can be used for pottery-making by refining its original properties and through mixture with clay with specific components which help the pottery maintain its shape even after firing.