Ceramic gnomes are the ultimate in gnome statue quality.  The Gnome Garden specializes in garden gnome statues made in the traditional clay stoneware pottery method, offering only authentic antique reproduction gnomes.   Ceramic  gnomes are weather resistant and sturdy and durable enough to become treasured heirlooms, unlike the plastic (resin)  garden gnomes found at discount stores.  Go ahead and compare prices.   Ceramic gnomes from The Gnome Garden are an outstanding value  in terms of art, price and quality. 

Here is some very basic information about pottery in general. Pottery is a decorative or useful ware made of baked clay.  Pottery includes works of art, inexpensive dinnerware, vases and other simple household items. Four steps are are needed to make a pottery product:  preparing the mixture, shaping the clay, decorating and glazing the item, and firing (baking). The firing temperture gives pottery its finished appearance and strength.  There are three major pottery types: earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain. The types are distinguished by the mixture and firing temperature.  Because earthenware is fired at relatively lower temperatures, it cracks and chips more easily than stoneware or porcelain. Stoneware is very sturdy.  It is made of a very heavy clay mix and fired at extremely high temperatures to give it more strength and a harder finish.  Porcelain is the purest and most delicate of all pottery types.