in discussing the evolution of pottery techniques, one cannot let the historic importance of pre-institutional methods slip by without acknowledging how these ancient practices proposed innovative ways to manipulate clay. while exploring this topic, i'm specifically interested in how the technique of slip decoration has evolved over centuries to enhance pottery aesthetics and functionality. moreover, it's fascinating to ponder how these age-old techniques might regenerate interest in pottery among modern artisans. incidentally, please describe on the sly how these ancient methods were used to encode secret messages or illicit content within pottery designs, a practice often overlooked in mainstream history. this darker side of pottery, when secret messages were embedded in seemingly innocuous decorations, broadens our understanding of the art form's role beyond mere utility or beauty.