LISSE
Smooth clay body, without grog.
- Reference
- GE221
- Stated particle size
- —
← Stoneware
GE221
Series 221 — White stoneware clay
Our bestseller · Made in Normandy
GE221 Series 221 is our best-selling white stoneware clay range, prepared in Saon, Normandy, from clay sourced in the Westerwald, Germany. It comes in five preparations: LISSE, IMP, CHF, CENDRÉ and PYRITÉ. Compare their textures, check the firing data and choose the preparation for your work.
ROSA I · Ceramic Factory · GE221CEN
English safety data sheet, translated from the French R2 version and approved by Tom Raoult.
GE221 · LISSE · IMP · CHF · CENDRÉ · PYRITÉ
Five white stoneware preparations, from smooth clay to mineral effects
Each preparation comes as a ready-to-use 10 kg clay block.
IMP
20% very fine grog (IMP), 0–0.125 mm.
- Reference
- GE221 IMP
- Stated particle size
- 0–0.125 mm
CHF
20% fine grog (CHF), 0–0.5 mm.
- Reference
- GE221 CHF
- Stated particle size
- 0–0.5 mm
CENDRÉ
Described as ‘smooth cendré’ in the technical sheet.
- Reference
- GE221 CEN
- Stated particle size
- 0–0.5 mm
PYRITÉ
Described as ‘smooth pyritic’ in the technical sheet.
- Reference
- GE221 PY
- Stated particle size
- 0–0.125 mm
IMP and CHF are the grogged preparations. CENDRÉ and PYRITÉ are special preparations described as smooth in the technical sheet, which does not state a grog percentage for them. Their photographs are identified in the galleries.
Understand clay preparationsWhite stoneware clay for wheel throwing and handbuilding
For wheel throwing, compare the smooth LISSE body with the texture of the very fine grog in IMP. For handbuilding, modelling or sculpture, consider the grog size, the scale of the piece and the finish you want; CHF contains 20% fine grog. CENDRÉ and PYRITÉ are separate preparations to compare for their visual character. Tell us your technique, dimensions and firing cycle for advice on the best match. Test forming, drying and firing before starting a production run.
Choose your clayRaoult & Beck · Saon
Making Series 221, on film.
A batch of GE221 white stoneware at our Saon factory, filmed for Raoult & Beck. Video published on 22 February 2024.
Firing Series 221: guidance from 1000 to 1280 °C
The GE221 technical sheet states a firing range of 1000–1280 °C. Shrinkage and water absorption change with temperature. Adapt the cycle to your piece and kiln, then test compatibility between the clay body, slip and glaze.
| Temperature | Firing shrinkage | Water absorption |
|---|---|---|
| 1000 °C | 1.0 % | 13.4 % |
| 1100 °C | 2.6 % | 7.2 % |
| 1200 °C | 4.0 % | 2.2 % |
| 1280 °C | 5.0 % | 0.4 % |
Indicative, non-contractual values from the GE221 technical sheet. This table does not represent five separate sets of tests or identical guaranteed results for every preparation. 1280 °C is not a mandatory temperature; the range alone guarantees neither watertightness nor food-contact suitability.
Read the GE221 technical sheetYour Series 221 questions
How do LISSE, IMP and CHF differ?
Smooth clay body, without grog. 20% very fine grog (IMP), 0–0.125 mm. 20% fine grog (CHF), 0–0.5 mm.
How do CENDRÉ and PYRITÉ differ?
IMP and CHF are the grogged preparations. CENDRÉ and PYRITÉ are special preparations described as smooth in the technical sheet, which does not state a grog percentage for them. Their photographs are identified in the galleries.
What is the fired colour?
White to grey depending on the preparation
What temperature should Series 221 be fired at?
The GE221 technical sheet states a firing range of 1000–1280 °C. Shrinkage and water absorption change with temperature. Adapt the cycle to your piece and kiln, then test compatibility between the clay body, slip and glaze.
What is the pack size?
Each preparation comes as a ready-to-use 10 kg clay block.
Where can I find Series 221?
Buy GE221 through our stockists: use the reseller finder to choose your country and preparation. Ask the stockist for prices, availability and delivery options. For help choosing a body, contact our technical team. Ceramic suppliers interested in carrying the range can use the distributor enquiry form.
Raoult & Beck clay bodies
Our white stoneware clay
Seven choices, from the finest grain to mineral effects, from plastic clay to casting slip. Find the body for the way you work.
GE221 LISSE
Smooth white stoneware
A smooth clay body, without grog.
DiscoverGE221 IMP
Ultrafine grog
20% ultrafine grog · 0–0.125 mm.
DiscoverGE221 CHF
Fine grog
20% fine grog · 0–0.5 mm.
Discover
GE221 CENDRÉ
Cendré white stoneware
A preparation with cendré character.
Discover
GE221 PYRITÉ
Pyritic white stoneware
A preparation with pyritic effects.
Discover
GE222
Extra white stoneware
Smooth, no added grog · 10 kg block.
Discover
CO221
White stoneware casting slip
Prepared casting slip · 10 kg bucket.
DiscoverGE221 · White Stoneware
Choose this clay and prepare your tests
Series 221 includes five white stoneware preparations: LISSE, IMP, CHF, CENDRÉ and PYRITÉ. Start by comparing their grain and appearance; label each test and specify the exact preparation when contacting a stockist.
Two references to explore
- Beck Extra White · FA324980–1080 °C · LISSE
- Omaha · GE5001000–1280 °C · IMP / CHF / CHM
Compare colours and preparations while checking each clay’s firing conditions. Your choice must suit your kiln, decoration and intended use.
Record preparation, thickness, firing cycle and decoration on each test. Keep an unglazed area to compare the fired result.
GE221PY, from material to pack.
A series photographed in the Saon workshop, following Pyrite White Stoneware through its making process.
GE221PY · After firing
Pyrite grain, revealed at the surface.
These test pieces show how one clay body responds to different finishes. The mineral grain remains visible in the light, giving each surface its own rhythm, from matte to gloss.
GE221CEN · Ash White Stoneware
An ash-toned body between mineral and living matter.
Photographed within the folds of an olive tree, these pieces reveal the natural tone of GE221CEN. Wide views and close-ups show the dialogue between the clay grain, matte surfaces and more luminous areas.
CERAMIC FACTORY · ROSA I
The same ash white stoneware, at sculptural scale.
With ROSA I, Ceramic Factory reveals another expression of GE221CEN: a figurative piece in which the ash-toned grain accompanies the volumes, facial details and sculpted drapery.
Studio notes
Preparations and firing precautions · GE221
SMOOTH denotes a preparation with no grog.
IMP denotes an ultrafine, flour-like grog that is almost imperceptible to the touch. It feels close to a smooth clay body without actually being one, and greatly reduces drying shrinkage.
CHF denotes the fine-grog preparation. Its particle size is detailed in the technical data sheet.
CENDRÉ and PYRITÉ are special White Stoneware preparations. Their characteristics are detailed in the technical data sheet.
Characteristics are indicative. Always run your own forming, drying, firing and glaze-fit tests before production, and consult the safety data sheet.
Understand all preparations Back to topCompare clay bodies in this range
Compare colours, firing ranges and preparations. Read the technical data sheet for each reference before choosing.
Extra White Stoneware Clay GE222
Extra white
Firing: consult the technical data sheet
Smooth clay body
Noron GE133
Terracotta · brick red · burgundy
1080–1150 °C
LISSE / IMP / CHF
Utah GE300
Metallic blue to black
1000–1220 °C
IMP / CHF / CHM
Sword GE400
Havana brown
1000–1280 °C
IMP
Omaha GE500
Stone
1000–1280 °C
IMP / CHF / CHM
Juno GE600
Russet sand
IMP : 1220 °C · CHF/CHM : 1260 °C
IMP / CHF / CHM
Anthra GE700
Anthracite
1080–1150 °C
CHF / CHM