The potter used clay to make a variety of useful containers used for cooking and storage. Bowls, pitchers, jugs, plates, and mugs were used for preparing and serving food. Larger jars, pots, and urns were used for storing dry foods like beans and herbs, and for storing liquids like vinegar and honey.

Medieval pottery was made by shaping clay by hand, then heating it to a high temperature in a special oven called a "kiln". The potter's wheel had a rotating platform that allowed the potter to easily shape perfectly round containers.