Hand painted cherry blossom Chawan / Tea Bowl.
Details:
~ Clear glaze
My process:
I make this chawan on the potters wheel and once the rim is dry enough to support itself, I turn it over and trim the bottom. Then while it is still very wet, I modify it with a few selectively placed dings and scrapes before applying slip to newsprint paper that is transferred on to the pot. This allows me to layer the slip and to acquire a stucco appearance, much like on an old building. Once the pot is completely dry, I apply a red slip to the inside and then fire it. After it comes out of the first firing, I apply a black wash for an antiquing appearance to the outside of the pot and a clear glaze to the inside. Then after the wash, I paint my cherry blossom motif and it is left unglazed. Then the pot goes back in the kiln the for its second and final firing. After it comes out of the glaze kiln, the outside of the chawan is then wet sanded for a super smooth finish.