In pursuit of ceramic fantasy & function
I’m continuing to add sgraffito to some of my recent projects, including these two sets of square dessert plates. On the 1st set of 4 plates, I applied 4 coats of jade underglaze and used sgraffito tools to incise a design of branches around the edge. On the 2nd set of 4 plates, I applied 4 coats of black underglaze (4 coats) and increased the complexity of the carving. These pictures were taken before firing (greenware stage). The plates measure approx. 6″ x 6″, made of cone 10 stoneware.
To make a large classically-shaped vase, an ancient technique is to use fat extruded coils, and flatten them out — making “slab coils”. Two large bowl shapes were made from the slab coils being wound and stacked and smeared together. After resting a bit, the two bowls were joined rim-to-rim into a roundish vessel. A foot and neck/rim were added from more slab coils. A band of underglaze was applied to the belly of the vase, and I used “sgraffito” tools and a linoleum cutter to carve an abstract design into the underglaze. After bisque firing, an ivory underglaze was applied above and below the sgraffito area, and inside the vase. VA Clear glaze was used inside and outside, with a thick coat on the rim. The overall effect is pleasantly rustic.
(Measurements 9-1/2″ tall, approx. 6-1/2″ diameter)