Kurinuki is a traditional Japanese technique where you carve a vessel out of a solid block of clay, rather than building it up coil by coil or throwing it on a wheel. It is slow, quiet and surprisingly meditative — and it produces the rough, organic shapes associated with Wabi-Sabi.
Carving away instead of building up
Most pottery adds material. Kurinuki removes it. You start with a solid lump and hollow it out, shaping the walls from the inside as you go. Because you are cutting rather than smoothing, the surface keeps the marks of the tool — and that texture is the character of the finished piece.
It suits people who like working slowly and do not want a perfectly symmetrical result.
What you will learn
- The history of Kurinuki and its place in Wabi-Sabi aesthetics
- Preparing and conditioning a block of clay
- Carving technique — hollowing, wall thickness and balance
- Shaping the outside and deciding how much tool mark to keep
- Finishing, glazing and firing options
What is included
- Guided session of one to one and a half hours
- Clay, carving tools and glazes
- Firing and glazing of your finished piece
- Unlimited drinks and snacks
- Open-time policy — stay on if you want to keep going
Book your Japanese Kurinuki Pottery session
25 JOD, around ninety minutes, everything included.
Questions
Do I need any pottery experience?
No. Kurinuki is one of the easiest techniques to start with because there is no wheel and no coiling — you simply carve.
When do I get my piece back?
Pieces need to dry, then be glazed and fired. We will let you know when yours is ready to collect, usually within a couple of weeks.
Can children do this workshop?
Yes. Kurinuki works well for all ages and is one of our more family-friendly sessions.
Will my piece be food safe?
We will glaze and fire it so it can be used. Tell us during the session what you intend to use it for and we will advise on the right glaze.