Definition:Bisque

Bisque — also called biscuit — is ceramic ware that has been fired once but not glazed. The resulting surface is matte, slightly textured, and often white or off-white in color, resembling fine stone or unfinished marble. Bisque dog figurines were used in fine sculptural work where a painted-stone effect was desired, as well as in some mass-market production. The technique was particularly popular in 19th-century France and Germany for decorative figurines and portrait busts. Because bisque has not been sealed with glaze, it is more porous than finished ceramics and consequently more susceptible to dirt, staining, and moisture damage. Cleaning bisque requires careful dry methods — never immerse in water or use liquid cleaners. Damaged bisque is very difficult to restore invisibly.