Earthenware - Japanese Traditional Culture

How to Make Earthenware

1. Forming on Potter's Wheel

A clump of the clay is thrown in the center of the wheel, and shaped upwards with both hands (one on the inside, the other on the outside). The resultant form is then further refined using various tools.

2. Drying, Finishing

The pieces are allowed to dry thouroughly, and then they are trimmed and finished. The pieces are again allowed to dry (several days).

3. Bisque Firing

For pieces that will be glazed, the dried form is first bisque fired, making it easier to apply overglaze and improving the adhesion of color pigments during the main firing. For unglazed ware, the dried pieces are not bisque fired (jump to Step 10).

4. Glazing

After bisque firing, the pieces are allowed to cool, and then glazed.

5. Main Firing

Depending on the style being created, the pieces are now loaded into the kiln for only a few hours or for several days or for weeks.