The latest dragon pot

It is larger (85 x 155 mm). My last dragon pot was done in aka-e, because blue underglazes did not allow me to paint a sharp looking sometsuke. Using overglazes showed me the way forward, but I still need to improve my technique and composition.

Started experimenting with overglazes

This is my first pot painted with overglazes. It had to be fired six times (bisque, stoneware and four overglaze firings).

Carved and wood-fired

This pot was meant to be brown, but turned out grey. You can’t be sure of anything when it comes to wood firing.

Combining different types of decoration

I tried to combine glaze, underglaze painting and carving in one pot. This combination has potential for further development.

Funny story: I accidentally left this pot on a bus and it was never returned to the “Lost and found” office of the bus company. Bonsai people tend to find pots in most unusual places, so it might turn up somewhere one day.

Carved and wood-fired pot

This was an ambitious project for someone who does pottery only for three hours a week. This pot is hand-formed, carved, painted and wood-fired. Probably the most labour intensive pot I have ever made considering its relatively small size. 

Last aka-e pot done with underglaze.

Ever since I saw Kutani Ikko's sometsuke and akae pots with dragons I wanted to have a go at an imitation/homage. I nearly chickened out of it when I examined the photos of these pots closely. Nevertheless, my very modest attempt made me realise how great Ikko's artistry and craftsmanship are. Took a while to come up with a design which uses Ikko's style. Decided to go with akae because of my recent mishaps the blue pigment. It turned out reasonably well, but there is a lot of room for improvement!