Description
I made Wood Fired Teapot on the potter’s wheel from stoneware clay. First, I throw the body and the lid. I create a gallery in the neck of the teapot to seat the lid. When the two parts are ready, I trim a slight foot and round out the lid. Next, I make a spout on the potter’s wheel. And when the spout is slightly stiff, I cut and fit it to the pot. Then I pierce holes where the spout will go to create a screen for loose leaf teas and attach the spout. Once the spout is attached, smoothed, and pitched properly, I pull the handle from a lug of clay. I pull my handles directly from the pot, which gives it a natural shape and connection to the teapot. Lastly, I twist a knotted finial for the lid. And voila a teapot is born.
The result is a balanced sum of the parts.
After the teapot is fired to bisque, I glazed the teapot in Malcolm’s Shino, which I make. And I like to pour and layer when glazing with shinos. Thinner swatches pull to a reddish brown. And thicker areas result in a caramel brown or even cream color. Often a shino glaze will pull or crawl where thick; and I happen to like these areas because they add texture and interest. The overall effect gives the surface depth. For the final touch, I brush a black slip around the rim which sets off the Shino.
Wood Fired Shino Teapot fired for 32 hours in a wood burning kiln to 2400 degrees F. It has a neutral matte surface with hints of peach, red brown, and yellow ash.
Steep and serve your favorite tea, loose leaf or bagged. The spout has a built in “screen”. Serve sake if you like. The teapot pours smoothly.
Display on a shelf when not using the teapot.
Makes a great wedding, anniversary, housewarming, birthday, or anytime gift. Feast your eyes on the various passages that create a fascinating surface of this full form.
5.5-cup capacity.
See also Tempest Teapot
