Khirbet kerak pottery, a distinctive class of ceramics noted for its intense red/black surface contrast, has been found in northern palestine but may have been produced there by itinerant potters from Eastern Anatolia or Transcaucasia. To test this hypothesis, a technical study of sherds from Beth Shan (Israel) was undertaken. Scanning electron microscopy was used to establish the presence or absence of a slip or paint, the extent of vitrification, and chemical analyses of slip/paint and body ware. From the results, the authors analyze the probably technology used: open pit firing and partial reoxidation. References.