What does inlay refer to in art and pottery?

Inlay refers to the artistic process of embedding a substance, such as a different type of clay, wood, or metal, within another material that contrasts with it. This technique enhances the visual appeal of the artwork by creating intricate patterns or designs that stand out against the background material. In the context of art and pottery, inlay can be used to add detailed embellishments or to achieve a particular aesthetic effect.

The other choices refer to different processes and techniques in pottery and ceramics. Firing the clay at high temperatures is crucial for hardening pottery but does not describe inlay. Creating textured surfaces involves various methods that enhance tactile qualities, while glazing is a finishing technique applied to ceramics for coloration and shine, which also does not involve the embedding characteristic of inlay. Therefore, the correct understanding of inlay as a distinct technique lies in its definition of embedding materials to achieve contrasting designs.