Nerikomi traditional Japanese pottery technique

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Nerikomi is a traditional Japanese pottery technique that involves layering, stacking, and combining different colored clays to create intricate patterns and designs within the ceramic body itself. The name “Nerikomi” comes from the Japanese words “neri,” which means to knead, and “komi,” which refers to the process of pressing or folding.

Key Aspects of Nerikomi:

  1. Clay Preparation: Different colored clays are prepared, often using natural pigments or stains mixed into the clay body. These clays are then stacked or layered in various ways.
  2. Layering and Stacking: The colored clays are layered or stacked in a specific pattern. These layers can be cut, twisted, or manipulated to create intricate designs. The artist may slice through the layers to reveal different patterns inside the block of clay.
  3. Shaping: Once the desired pattern is achieved, the block of clay is shaped into its final form, whether it’s a pot, bowl, or another ceramic piece. This shaping process reveals the patterns created by the layered clays.
  4. Firing: After shaping, the piece is dried and then fired in a kiln. The firing process hardens the clay and makes the colors and patterns permanent.
  5. Finishing: The piece may be glazed and fired again, or it might be left unglazed to emphasize the natural beauty of the clay patterns.

Characteristics of Nerikomi:

  • Complexity: Nerikomi allows for intricate and complex designs that are embedded within the clay, making each piece unique.
  • Depth: The technique creates a sense of depth in the patterns, as the designs are part of the clay body rather than being applied on the surface.
  • Subtlety: The patterns can range from bold, contrasting designs to more subtle, delicate ones, depending on the choice of colors and the method of layering.

Nerikomi is prized for its ability to produce visually stunning and tactilely engaging ceramics, with the patterns being an integral part of the structure of the piece rather than just a surface decoration.

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