Description
I made Hanging Gourd Lantern on the potter’s wheel in two parts, using an iron bearing stoneware clay. First I threw a curvy shape with room for a foot and then I threw the roof. Next I trim the foot of the lantern body and attach the lid and tipped the edge to suggest corners. The lid is pierced to allow for a hanging wire after firing.
Now it’s time to cut out the door and pierce the body! I use a sharp, Exacto-style knife. And I don’t use stencils. I choose the shape of the cut intuitively as I go, hoping to create a cohesive but visually interesting pattern.
After I bisque-fired Hanging Gourd Lantern, I loaded the lantern, with many other pots, in my wood burning kiln and fired with my crew for about 34 hours to approximately 2400 degrees. The result is a toasty brown and rather quiet surface with sprays of ash in areas of the body and a natural ash glaze on the lid and door.
Hang your lantern from a hook on a tree branch. Set it on a patio table, along a spa, or on the deck.
Use the lantern inside as well by hanging from a plant hanger or perhaps from a ceiling hook. Add a bit of whimsy and ambiance to your bath or nook or bedroom. Use refillable oil candles from Firefly or a regular votive candle. If you prefer to use a votive candle, place a square of waxed paper on the floor under the candle in case the candle melts down.
A wired door accommodates either refillable oil candle or votive. Wire hanging handle.
8.5″ high
See also Hanging Mushroom Lantern
