***Nerikomi***, often paired with neriage, is a captivating Japanese pottery technique distinguished by layering and combining different colored clays to create intricate patterns. While the term “nerikomi” is relatively modern, the technique’s roots trace back to ancient civilizations, with marbling ceramic techniques first emerging in ancient Egypt and China. These methods spread through Rome to the West, influencing various ceramic traditions; for example, in England, the use of multiple colored clays for decorative effects was known as agateware. In Japan, marbled ceramics appeared during the Momoyama (1568–1600) and Edo periods (1603–1868). The term “nerikomi” gained widespread use in the 1970s, driven by artist Yusuke Aida and further popularized by Matsui Kousei, who refers to his work as neriage. This surge in popularity highlighted the technique’s *unique ability to capture the essence of natural elements through the interplay of colors and textures.* You can learn more about marbling techniques in clay here: https://potterygeek.com/pottery-techniques/marbling-magic-swirling-colors-in-clay/.
The selection of clay is pivotal in nerikomi, influencing both the aesthetic outcome and the structural integrity of the final piece. Porcelain is a favored choice among Nerikomi artists due to its fine texture and translucency, providing a smooth surface for precise patterning and serving as an excellent base for vibrant colorants. Stoneware, with its durability and slightly coarser texture, is also appreciated, offering natural color variations that can add depth to Nerikomi designs. To achieve the desired hues, potters incorporate various colorants into the clay body, such as iron oxide for shades ranging from red to brown, cobalt oxide for deep blue tones, manganese oxide for purples and browns, and copper carbonate for greens and blues. Preparing colored clay involves blending these colorants with a white clay base to achieve the desired shades. The colored clays are then stacked, rolled, and assembled into spirals or other designs, pressed to ensure well-defined patterns. Proper drying is crucial to prevent cracks and breakage, with pieces dried slowly and evenly, often covered with plastic or damp cloths to slow the process. Firing generally follows the schedule of the lowest maturing clay used, typically ranging from cone 04 to cone 6 oxidation, with slow, controlled firing to prevent defects like scorching or cracking. For further information on clay types, see this article: https://potterygeek.com/clay-types-and-preparation/clay-types-earthenware-stoneware-and-porcelain/.
Proper drying is crucial to prevent cracks and breakage, with pieces dried slowly and evenly, often covered with plastic or damp cloths to slow the process.
Creating Nerikomi patterns requires specialized tools such as a clay wire cutter for clean slices, a rolling pin and thickness guides for consistent slabs, and a rubber rib tool to compress and smooth clay surfaces. A bow harp or clay cutter allows for precise slicing of clay slabs and canes without distortion, while a needle tool is used for scoring and fine detailing. Maintaining the clay’s moisture is vital, achieved with a sponge and water spray bottle. Canvas or muslin cloth provides a non-stick surface, and plaster hump molds shape and support clay slabs into desired forms. After firing, sanding tools smooth the surface and enhance the clarity of the patterns. Common challenges in Nerikomi include cracking during drying and firing, which can be minimized by slow drying and controlled firing. Warping can be prevented using support forms and ensuring even thickness, while color bleeding and glaze discoloration are addressed by testing materials and using barrier layers. Achieving sharp patterns requires precision in layering and sharp tools.
Contemporary artists have embraced nerikomi, showcasing the technique’s versatility and beauty. Carole Aoki uses high-fired porcelain, layering black and white sheets into opposing patterns for vessels. Karen Orsillo specializes in brightly colored clay, creating subtle gradations and vibrant patterns inspired by nature. Anne Mossman explores colored clay and nerikomi techniques, recycling colored clay trimmings to create new pieces. Yuko Kuramatsu focuses on nerikomi porcelain pieces, emphasizing translucency and preserving the matte quality of the porcelain. Cary Rapaport employs nerikomi to create sculptural pieces inspired by planetary forms. Judy McKenzie combines nerikomi with the Kintsugi process, creating colored porcelain pieces with silver highlights. Kamio Ogata, a master of nerikomi, draws inspiration from Ito Sekisui V, expressing intangible emotions through subtle changes in the clay. ***These artists demonstrate the diverse applications and expressive potential of nerikomi in contemporary ceramics.***
