Clay kneading

photo Clay kneading

Description

Neriage or clay kneading is made by piling up and kneading together different colors of clay. All sorts of patterns can be produced depending on the method used to combine the clay colors, with cross-sections of kneaded clay appearing on the surface of the ceramics. Different colors of clay contain different elements, and care must be taken to make sure that the piece doesn't break or come loose. The completed pottery will have the same pattern on its exterior and its interior.

Production

  1. 1.Thin alternating layers of blue and white clay are piled up.
  2. 2.The clay is cut into even segments.
  3. 3.The segments of clay are shaped into a large cylinder.
  4. 4.A pattern will have formed from the alternating layers of clay.
  5. 5.The clay is cut to a thickness suitable for a dish.
  6. 6.After being placed on a mold, the clay is rounded off into a dish shape.
  7. 7.The shape of the piece is fixed up and it is bisque fired.
  8. 8.A glaze that turns transparent when fired is applied. The piece is glaze fired and complete.
  • "What Are Traditional Crafts? -A Guidebook to Seeing, Learning, and Enjoying-" Edited by the Japan Kogei Association Eastern Branch. Published by Unsodo Reference artworks