A synthetic elastic foam mould is filled and impregnated with liquid clay and then fired in an oven at a temperature high enough to burn the foam. A method for making a ceramic product from natural clay by shaping it whilst in the viscous state and then firing, comprises the following steps : (i) a mould is prepared from synthetic elastic foam containing a large number of interconnected pores, channels etc., the mould having the same shape as at least part of the product ; (ii) clay is mixed with liquid to form a liquid clay material ; (iii) the mould is brought into contact with the liquid clay, which is impregnated and/or kneaded into the foam until the outer surface of the mould is covered with a layer of clay ; (iv) the clay is dried ; (v) the clay-coated mould is fired at a temperature high enough to burn the mould. An Independent claim is also included for the ceramic products made by this method. CERAMICS AND GLASS - PREFERRED METHOD : The liquid mixed with the clay contains a sodium silicate, sodium
