The bisque firing went as expected to Cone 04. The home processed clay from Lake Lanier was sifted through a window screen and retained some pretty course grog and stones. There was a single crack in the lip of the Chawan after the firing. I repaired it as best I could with some slip, let it dry.

The main firing to cone 6 went very well a few nights ago. I had several items of high value in this firing and spent the night getting up and checking the temperature and inserting the final plug in the kiln to slow the cooling once peak temperature had been reached.

I glazed my new style miniature bonsai pots in Shino and used a sponge to remove some of the glaze on the higher portions of the texture. The internal I left unglazed. My Mother and I did a quick project using one of the pots and created this beautiful little accent. I learned that this is the art of Kusamono or Shitakusa. You can find these pots and others on my Etsy Shop – https://www.etsy.com/shop/FireCrownPottery

 

The Chawan was glazed in clear. The inside was glazed very heavily to see how a thicker glaze application would take and to possibly seal the very porous body. I was very surprised, neigh stunned, to see what came out of the kiln once the temperature dropped and I was able to pull out the wares. The color had changed from its mars-like red to a dark brown with white speckles and an almost purple hue. You can see the contrast in the Kodai (or foot ring) below. An absolutely gorgeous gem! I have to work on the clay body as it is very porous but there is so much potential here and it is very exciting.

 

My Mothers sculpted piano is precious to hold and admire and I think we have an heirloom on our hands.

Although the Chawan, made from the earth beneath my feet is exiting and bursting with potential, this is the one that I consider my finest piece so far. I call my pinch vessels my Ensō series. Like the Japanese concept of the Ensō each of the pinched Yunomi vessels I make are unique and singular in their existence. Each portrays the character of the creator and the context of its creation.

Made with white stoneware and glazed with Tenmoku which displays a beautiful variation of dark brown breaking to gold. It was created by hand over the course of about an hour. Each curve is subtle and graceful. It is the culmination of each pinch and motion of smoothing the inner and outer. It is a quiet mediation on creation in its simplest form. Shaping by hand. No tools involved.

Next post will be something that has been in the making for around 6 months. A wedding (and now baby!) gift for friends.