Ceramic - Pottery Dictionary

by Susan Mussi

PIERCED - Decoration

ca: CALAT - Decoració

es: CALADO - Decoración

Pierced decoration refers to holes cut into jars and plates as a decoration. Once the clay is leather-hard it can be pierced. Strong, sharp bladed tools and hole boring implements are needed for pierced decoration. The pattern should be worked out in advance and marked onto the dry clay.

1) When making the pattern, take into account that the parts of clay left between the holes must be strong enough not to break, the more spaces there are, the weaker it becomes.
2) Use fine, sharp blades to cut holes.
3) While cutting, support the piece from behind with your other hand or hold an object against it.
4) If the cutting has left a rough edge, smooth it out with a wet soft brush.