Making a Mishima Plate
In this video, I introduce the process of creating Karatsu Mishima plates.
I dedicate myself to the production of Karatsu Mishima pottery on a daily basis. Karatsu ware is a type of pottery that has been made in the Hizen province (present-day Saga and Nagasaki prefectures) since the 1580s. While inheriting the traditional techniques of Karatsu ware, I also incorporate my own methods and patterns into my works.
In this video, I specifically showcase the inlay technique using a rubber scraper, so I hope you enjoy it until the final firing. First, I shape a plate on the wheel, approximately 21cm in size. Using a wooden rib, I stretch and compress the clay. At this stage, I use a tool made of bamboo string to carve lines on the plate.
Afterward, I let it dry for about 12 hours. After 12 hours, by joining the edges of the plate, I can ensure even drying. Then, I let it dry until it reaches a hardness suitable for carving with a metal scraper (not completely dry).
Once it's adequately dry, I press a stamp before using the metal scraper. I apply ink to create a guide for the carved pattern and then carve it with the scraper. Next, I apply white slip, ensuring it fills the carved recesses by moving a brush up and down. I remove excess slip from the surface using a rubber scraper.
After drying, I perform the bisque firing and apply the glaze. The glaze consists of a higher proportion of ash and iron content. Any pinholes formed during firing can be smoothed out by gently rubbing them with a finger. If the pinholes are left as they are, they will remain as holes in the final firing.
Lastly, I place the pottery in the kiln for the final firing. It is fired at approximately 1240 degrees Celsius for about 14 hours, followed by a waiting period of about 2 days for the kiln to cool down.
It's time for the kiln opening, and the results are satisfying.
When the glaze contains a higher proportion of ash, it increases the iron content, resulting in a stronger green coloration.
In this video, I have introduced the process of creating plates that combines traditional Karatsu pottery techniques with my own unique methods. I hope I have been able to convey some of the charm and processes of Karatsu ware. In the future, I would like to continue challenging myself with various works. Your ongoing support would be greatly appreciated.
I hope you enjoy watching the video as well.