6.1: Advanced Forms- Lidded Containers, Teapots, Vases

Moving beyond basic forms, this subchapter guides readers through creating complex and multi-part forms such as lidded containers and teapots. It covers the assembly of spouts, handles, and lids, along with strategies for throwing large or intricate vases. Advanced techniques for unique forms and combining thrown elements with hand-built components are also explored.

Introduction to Altering Thrown Forms for Variety

- Fluting and Faceting: Use a carving tool or wire to cut grooves or facets into the walls of a leather-hard cylinder for decorative effects.

- Asymmetry: After throwing, gently push or reshape the form to create intentional asymmetry. For example, tilt a bowl’s rim for a dynamic look.

- Adding Features: Attach hand-built elements like handles, spouts, or decorative coils to expand the functionality or aesthetics of your piece.

- Combining Forms: Throw multiple components, such as a cylinder and a bowl, and assemble them to create complex shapes like tiered vases or lidded containers.

Planning and Executing Multi-part Forms Like Lidded Containers

- Step 1: Throwing the Base: Begin by throwing the container body with a slight inward taper to ensure the lid fits snugly. Create a gallery (a recessed rim) for the lid to sit on.

- Step 2: Throwing the Lid: Throw the lid as a shallow, inverted bowl or flat disc. Use a caliper to measure the diameter of the gallery and match the lid size accordingly.

- Step 3: Refining the Fit: Once both parts are leather-hard, test the fit and make adjustments by trimming or sanding. The lid should sit securely without wobbling.

- Step 4: Adding a Knob: Attach a small, decorative knob to the lid for easy handling. Score and slip the attachment point to ensure a strong bond.

Throwing a Teapot

1. Throwing the Body

- Start by throwing a basic cylindrical form with a slightly bulged bottom and a narrow top. This will be the body of the teapot.

2. Forming the Spout and Lid

- Throw a spout separately on the wheel by creating a small, tapered cylinder, then slicing it diagonally while soft to create the pouring end. The lid can be thrown as a small, inverted bowl that fits the opening of the body.

3. Attaching the Spout

- Score and slip the area where the spout will attach to the body. Firmly attach the spout, ensuring a tight seal. Blend the connection with a small clay coil if necessary.

4. Creating and Attaching a Handle

- Pull a handle from a lump of clay or roll a coil and shape it into a handle. Score and slip the attachment points and attach the handle opposite the spout.

5. Trimming and Finishing

- Once the body is leather-hard,

trim the bottom to create a foot. Make sure the lid fits well. Clean up any rough spots and ensure the spout's attachment is smooth and functional.

6. Drying and Firing

- Allow the teapot to dry slowly to prevent cracking. Bisque fire, glaze, and then glaze fire according to your clay body and glaze specifications.

Techniques for Creating Large or Complex Vases

- Throw in Sections: For large vases, throw the base and upper sections separately, then join them at the leather-hard stage. This reduces stress on the clay and improves control.

- Use Internal Supports: Insert foam or other supports while throwing tall pieces to prevent collapse. Remove them carefully once the form stiffens.

- Shape Variations: Experiment with necks, flared rims, or bulbous bases for unique silhouettes. Use calipers to maintain symmetry when shaping complex curves.

- Decorative Additions: Apply slip trailing, carving, or stamped patterns to elevate the vase’s design. Consider adding handles or sculptural elements for extra detail.

Advanced Wheel-Throwing Techniques for Unique Forms

- Double-Walled Pieces: Throw a form with a hollow interior, creating intricate designs like perforations or patterns on the outer wall.

- Closed Forms: Seal the top of a thrown piece, then reshape it into abstract or sculptural forms. Use these for decorative objects or functional items like jars.

- Assembling Thrown Parts: Combine multiple thrown components, such as stacked cylinders or joined spheres, to create elaborate forms.

- Layered Glazing: Plan for advanced glazing techniques, like dipping or spraying multiple layers, to enhance the complexity of your finished pieces.

Combining Thrown Elements with Hand-Built Components

- Hand-Built Bases: Attach a slab-constructed base to a wheel-thrown form for added texture or structural support.

- Sculptural Details: Incorporate hand-built flowers, animals, or abstract shapes onto thrown vessels for decorative appeal.

- Functional Additions: Use hand-built spouts, handles, or feet to customize thrown forms for specific functions.

- Mixed Techniques: Experiment with combining pinched, coiled, and slab-built elements onto thrown forms to create hybrid designs.