Description
I made Shino Teapot on the potter’s wheel in three separate elements: Body, seated lid with drop down, and spout. Then I trim the body with a foot to separate the heat from table surfaces and I trim the lid. I make the finial for the lid with a strip of clay that I roll and then twist. And now it’s time for the spout. The body of the pot is pierced to create somewhat of a screen for loose leaf teas and then the spout is cut and fitted and fussed with, trimming the end to make a smooth pour all the way. Lastly, a handle is pulled directly from the body of the teapot. This is a complex form and the parts need to make a well-balanced and visually appealing whole.
After trimming and assembling the Wood Fired Teapot Grande, I fire it to bisque and it’s ready for glazing. I dipped the teapot into a bucket of Red Shino glaze that I make, but only as far down as the concave portion of the pot. And I leave the convex portion portion bare. I also line the pot with the same glaze. And for the final touch, I use a deer tail brush and some “black” slip to add a bit of depth, movement, and, hopefully, poetry. People ask me what my brushwork means and I think it is my way of capturing an energy in the moment.
I like to layer shino glaze to create layers and depth and texture. And the wood ash and salt intensify and modulate the glaze as well.
Wood fired with salt to 2400 degrees. 5.5-cup capacity.
Makes a distinctively unique wedding, anniversary, housewarming, holiday, or birthday gift!
See also Wood Fired Teapot Grande
