Kurinuki, a creative and traditional technique for those interested in ceramic art, is a shaping method that comes from the depths of Japanese ceramic culture. This technique is based on shaping a mass of ceramic clay by carving, and the resulting products can be both artistic and functional. This slow and deliberate process invites the artist into a deeper focus and allows for a more visceral connection with the clay.
What is Kurinuki? Kurinuki means ‘carving out’ in Japanese. Basically, it aims to shape the ceramic clay with carving tools to reveal the form of the product. Unlike other ceramic techniques, Kurinuki is a process that relies on the essence of the clay. You try to shape the clay in your hand completely with your intuition, without compressing it or turning it on the lathe. The resulting artefacts are forms guided by the clay, not the artist, and often carry an impressive aesthetic.
Advantages of Kurinuki Technique Each ceramic shaping method has its own process and advantages. The Kurinuki technique offers a direct and organic way of working. It allows you to feel the clay in your hand and establish an inner relationship with it. The artefacts made with this method look as if they were carved from stone and each one is unique. It has a distinctive character with its irregular mouth structures and carved foot details.
Making Cups with Kurinuki Technique Step by Step Before starting with the Kurinuki technique, it is important to prepare your clay correctly. By preparing your clay the day before you start working, you can ensure that it has the right consistency. Here is a simple cup making process: Prepare the clay: Start with about 900 grams of ceramic clay. Cut a large piece of clay using a cutting wire and create a rough form. Hollow It Out: Start hollowing out the clay mass with carving tools. Roughly give it the desired shape in terms of depth and width. Shape the Outside: You can use a spatula to shape the outside of the clay. The spatula will help you make clean and sharp cuts. Decorative Touches: After roughly shaping the outside, make small cuts to create a natural texture. Foot Making: Turn the piece over and start making the foot with a smaller carving tool. Determine the size and depth of the foot. Final Touches: After putting the finishing touches, refine around the rim. The cup should take on a relaxed form, making it easier to drink from. By following these simple steps, you can make functional products such as cups, bowls and trays with the Kurinuki technique. As you progress, you can develop more complex and creative designs by adding handles and lids.
Why Should You Try Kurinuki? Kurinuki offers an authentic experience that brings you closer to ceramics. Each piece bears the traces of handcraftsmanship and reveals a natural aesthetic. Unlike modern ceramic techniques, each stage in the process is slow and requires focus. This helps you develop a deeper connection with the clay and you can feel the spirit of the resulting artefacts.
Final Thoughts By experimenting with Kurinuki, it is possible to explore the boundaries of ceramic art and establish a more intuitive relationship with clay. This traditional Japanese moulding method offers artists not only a product, but also the opportunity to meditate on the creative process.