Question:
What is the history of the Potter´s Wheel?
Clockwise or anti-clockwise wheel
Most potters learn to throw anti-clockwise and if a power wheel is used it is unlikely to be reversible. However, some experience with throwing clockwise is beneficial because it makes one analyse one's actions thoroughly. Also some clays, notably those containing only a small amount of naturally plastic clay, eg, special bodies like porcelain, sometimes tire of being turned one way only. Some tear if the leatherhard trimming (turning) is done with the same wheel direction as the throwing. In such cases throwing is done anti-clockwise and turning is done clockwise. Also after throwing many potters reverse the wheel direction and burnish the leatherhard clay surface.
History of the wheel
Egypt is credited with being the place of origin of the potter's wheel. It was here that the tuntable shaft was lengthened about 3000BC. and a flywheel added. The flywheel was kicked and later was moved by pulling the edge with the left hand whilst forming the clay with the right. This led to the anti-clockwise motion for the potter's wheel which is almost universal. Only in parts of Japan and in parts of India was a clockwise motion used.
The clockwise wheel evolved from the use of a flywheel as wheel-head which was motivated by a hand-held stick located in notches near the edge. Holding the stick at its top end in the left hand and locating the other end in a notch the right hand is used to pull the stick towards one. When the wheel is truning sufficiently one can begin throwing. The wheel has to be given periodic impetus during the throwing of a pot.
Throwing tips
Of the many types of clay, porcelain is the finest -- and the most difficult to 'throw' (form on a potters wheel). Porcelain, an 'artificial' clay, is certainly no material for the beginning potter, who would be much better off starting with a more robust clay like stoneware or earthenware.
But there are a few points that can be taken into consideration when throwing porcelain..........
Read this entire article 'Throwing tips' in the Articles section of this site
Or go to:
http://www.ceramics-tips.com/RscArticleV.asp?id=399
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| Guru Spotlight |
| Patricia Walters-Fischer |
