Definitions for "LEATHERHARD"
Same as "cheesehard" as recorded earlier. Leatherhard is a stage of the drying process. The clay still contains some water. It can be carved or slightly altered or added to. However, it will severely crack or break if stressed too far. The cracks look like aged, old leather. This is the stage when pieces are adhere to the main body of the piece: i.e. handles, spouts, knobs.
(adj.) Describes a vessel which is permitted to air dry completely before firing. Surface decoration (incision, slip, etc.) is frequently added at this stage, given the added stability of the pre-fired vessel.
A stage in the drying process when a clay object can be carefully handled without danger of the shape being deformed, but the clay is still pliable enough so alterations can be made if desired. Many ceramic artists take great advantage of this relatively short period of time to add personal and unique characteristics to their creations. It is also the stage when attachments, such as handles, are added to wheel-thrown pieces. See also greenware, blackhard, cheesehard, whitehard, bisque.