Japanese Ceramics Techniques

This course focuses on Japanese hand-building methods such as Kurinuki and Nerikomi. Kurinuki translates in Japanese “to hollow” and it is a traditional Japanese technique that consists in starting with a solid block of clay, and hollowing it out to create a pot. Not only traditional japanese chawans (tea bowls) use this beautiful ancient technique, but also other functional objects and sculptures are created too.

Nerikomi is a pattern technique made with 2 or more different colors of clay. ‘Neri’ means to mix, and ‘Komi’ means to press. You mix colored clay and then press it together creating a pattern in a repetitive (or abstract) way to create different objects.

Students will also explore a variety of glazing techniques such as dipping and pouring. Beginners and intermediate ceramic students are welcome.