釉薬(ゆうやく)

Composed of 釉(ゆう) (gloss; glaze) + 薬(やく) (drug; substance, chemical). A technical term from ceramics referring to the liquid coating applied to unfired pots. During firing, the glaze melts and fuses to the clay body, giving the finished work its glossy surface, color, and waterproof properties. Sometimes also read as うわぐすり in more everyday craft contexts.

Common collocations

• 釉薬(ゆうやく)をかける: to apply glaze (by pouring or dipping)
• 釉薬(ゆうやく)を塗(ぬ)る: to apply glaze (by brushing)
• 釉薬(ゆうやく)が溶(と)ける: the glaze melts (in the kiln)
• 透明(とうめい)釉薬(ゆうやく): clear glaze
• 灰(はい)釉薬(ゆうやく): ash glaze
• 鉄(てつ)釉薬(ゆうやく): iron glaze

Similar words

• うわぐすり: glaze — the native Japanese reading of 釉薬(ゆうやく) (sometimes written 上薬(うわぐすり) or just 釉(うわぐすり)). Used in craft and studio talk; 釉薬(ゆうやく) (ゆうやく) is more common in technical writing.
• 素焼(すや)き: unglazed firing / bisque firing — the initial firing before glaze is applied.
• 本焼(ほんや)き: glaze firing — the second firing that fuses the glaze.

Related words

• 陶器(とうき): pottery; earthenware
• 磁器(じき): porcelain
• 窯(かま): kiln
• 焼(や)き物(もの): ceramics; pottery

Usage

You will see this word in pottery workshops, museum labels, and craft magazines. It can refer either to the liquid before firing or to the fused glassy layer on the finished piece — context makes the difference clear.