that are on the pot from the initial molding of the vessel, allowing it to gain a smoother texture.

While in the leather-hard stage, vessels can be modified to give extra desired characteristics. One additional aspect to a vessel that can be made is to make the vessel into a lute. This refers to two pieces of leather-hard clay placed together with a slip acting as a glue. Lutes increase the overall strength of the pot, which allows it to withstand more stress. This stress can be measured on a stress-strain curve.