This is the final step of the production process.
After putting out a kiln a potter waits for a few days, until the kiln cools down by itself. Then finally, the artworks are got out of the kiln. And they are all set to bring out their works to the world.
There are numerous numbers of shops selling Bizen in Okayama. Bizen lovers often go to those shops to find their favorites.
Now, it’s the time to kiln. The characteristics of each artwork would be determined by the strength of flame. Therefore, a potter must be careful when putting each work in a kiln.
In Japan, many potters do a bit like ritual things after putting in all the artworks. Before firing, they put some salt and sacred liquor (called “Omiki”) in front of the kiln and pray for good job.
Using well-dried firewood (pine trees are often used), a potter kilns his/her works for 10-14 days and nights. The temperature in kilns will go up to 2200 dig F. Potters must frequently check the temperature and stock firewood, so they have to stay working all through the night.
Here is a video of firing by Mr. Naoki Yokoyama.
The third step is to form the shapes on a turning wheel. Usually, potters use a wheel to make cups and plates but sometimes they don’t. Instead, they use a spatula or only hands. The works made by hand are called “Te-bineri.” It is quite difficult technique and not easily immitated. After shaping, the green bodies are carefully dried in shade until they turns white. These artworks are called greenware.
Here are some videos in the shaping process.
Shaping Process 1 by Mr. Mamoru Taku
Shaping Process 2 by Mr. Mamoru Taku
Shaping Process 3 by Mr. Mamoru Taku
The next step is blunging the clay paste.
A potter kneads clay paste in order to make it tough and remove any remaining air. The clay’s shape in this process looks like a chrysanthemum flower, people often call this step “Kiku-Neri” or “Kiku-Momi” (”blunging like a chrysanthemum”). It will take for years and years to make a beautiful and perfect shape.
Here is a video of Kiku-Neri by Mr. Naoki Yokoyama.
And this is a chrysanthemum flower. By the way, Japanese have enjoyed the beauty of chrysanthemum for hundreds of years.
No one can make great works without great clays.
There are various sorts of clay used for making Bizen. Usually, those clays are divided into three categories: mountain clay, rice field clay, and black clay. Those clays are mixed in an original proportion of each potter. After that, the clay is going to be dried completely. Then, it will be smashed and soaked in water. Little stones are taken off from the clay. Finally, a potter pugs it to make paste. The longer the paste is aged, the better the paste will be.