http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/lessons/
high/Vivian-ceramics.htm
Types of Pottery
 Methods of forming pottery: Hand-shaping was
the earliest method used to form vessels. This included
the combination of pinching and coiling.
 Using the coiling technique, it is possible to build
thicker or taller walled vessels, which may not have
been possible using pinch pot methods. The technique
permits control of the walls as they are built up and
allows building on top of the walls to make the vessel
look bigger and bulge outward or narrow inward with
less danger of collapsing.
Coiling Pots Based on the Past
• The ancient technique of building a coiled pot involves squeezing, squashing
and smoothing the successive layers of coils into a thin even wall which swells
or tapers as it grows and encloses a shape.
 To do this you need to turn the pot around slowly as you work. Early potters
soon learned to make the task of periodically turning the pot much easier and
more efficient by beginning their coiling on a dish or bowl, or even a flat plate
or smooth platter they could twist round as they worked.
 Most early coiled pots are round bottomed. They were probably started in a
bowl which could be easily turned or rolled around whilst adding and
smoothing the clay coils.
Examples of Ancient Coil Pottery
Smoothed on the inside only
Smoothed inside and outside
How to Make a Coiled Pot, Part 1
•
http://www.ehow.com/video_4438019_prepar
ing-pot-form-makingpottery.html?pid=1&wa%5Fvrid=3231e878%2
D68d7%2D465c%2D9faf%2Dea6c92153ec7&c
p=1&wa%5Fvlsrc=continuous
How to Make a Coiled Pot, Part 2
http://www.ehow.com/video_4438017_maki
ng-base-clay-coil-pot.htmly-coil-pot.html
Use a bit of Cooking Spray on the bottom of the
base pot instead of WD-40. It does not take
much….use it sparingly.
How to Make a Coiled Pot, Part 3
http://www.ehow.com/video_4438020_smo
othing-inside-coil-pot.html
How to Make a Coiled Pot, Part 4
http://www.ehow.com/video_4438015_make
-coilpot.html?pid=1&wa%5Fvrid=6d790ddd%2D
8518%2D445e%2Db48e%2D1b6bd783693f&c
p=1&wa%5Fvlsrc=continuous
Taking a Break
Coiled forms can take more time to create than we have in one sitting. When you
have to leave your work while it is in progress, place damp paper towels across the
top row. Cover the entire piece with plastic.
If you should need the bottom of the pot to stiffen slightly, leave some gaps where
the plastic meets the table or shelf. Otherwise, tuck the plastic under the support
surface. If the humidity is high, add a layer of newspaper or cloth in between the pot
and the plastic. This will absorb any condensation, which could otherwise make your
pot collapse.
WAX RESIST
1. Definition: Wax Resist (noun) is a waxy substance used to
prevent slips or glazes from adhering onto the clay body or a prior
coating of slip, etc.
2. A resist is especially helpful in keeping glaze from adhering to a pot's
base, and in the case of a lidded jar, from keeping the areas the lid and
the jar meet free from glaze.
3. In the past, wax resists where simply melted wax; today there are a
number of wax emulsions, including many which are water-based.
4. Wax resist can also used in decoration. The resist can be used both
under or over underglazes, glazes, and slips to create designs.
Bowl
with
wax
resist
design
Resist
on the
bottom
on the
pot
After wax is
applied, it is
cut away
before
glazing to
keep some
of the pot
natural
Coiled Pots Quiz
1.
2.
Name_______________________________
One reason to use coiling technique is: A. thicker and taller walls
B. it is an old method C. thin walls D. it was never used in ancient
times
When starting a coiled pot it is best: A. to roll all the clay strips
(snakes) B. use a bowl as a prop C. wash your hands D. eat a
snack
If you run out of time in class and your pot is not done: A.
give up B. ask for a pass for PE C. cover the pot with plastic
and damp paper D. Throw the pot away
4. One way to keep the pot even is: A. sing a song B. talk to
a neighbor C. cut away the snakes if not needed D. turn
the pot as you work
5. What part of the finished pot can you smooth when it is
still damp? A. inside B. outside C. top side D. no sides
3.
Coiled Pot Student Evaluation
Name_______________________________
Dated ________________
1.
2.
3.
DESIGN
CONSTRUCTION
CRAFTSMANSHIP
4.
PATTERNS/TEXTURES
5.
GLAZING
10
10
10
10
10
9
9
9
9
9
8
8
8
8
8
7
7
7
7
7
6
6
6
6
6
5
5
5
5
5
Other
Other
Other
Other
Other
6. One aspect about this project that I learned
_______________________________________________
Ideas for your Coil Pot