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MARBLEIZED CLAY

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photo Marbleized clay

Description

Marbleized clay (neriage) ceramics are made by layering or combining different colors of clay. A wide variety of patterns can be produced depending on how the clays are combined, with the cross-sections of the finished pattern appearing on the surface of the piece.

Different colors of clay contain different elements, and care must be taken to make sure that the pieces don’t crack or come apart. The finished piece shows the same pattern on its inner and outer faces.

Process

  • 1.Thin sheets of alternating blue and white clay are layered together.
  • 2.The clay is cut into even segments.
  • 3.The segments of clay are combined to form a large cylinder.
  • 4.A pattern will have formed from the alternating layers of clay.
  • 5.The clay is cut to a thickness suitable for a dish.
  • 6.The clay is placed on a mold and rounded into a dish.
  • 7.The form is adjusted and bisque fired.
  • 8.A glaze that turns transparent is applied, and the piece is completed upon firing.
  • Reference: Nihon Kōgeikai Higashi Nihon Shibu (Japan Kōgei Association Eastern Branch), ed., Dentō kōgei-tte nani? – miru, shiru, tanoshimu gaido bukku (What Are Traditional Crafts? –A Guidebook to Seeing, Learning, and Enjoying). Unsodo, 2013.
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