Published: June 15, 2018 By

TurningÌýis a process of removing excess clay from a wheel-thrown, leather-hard vase. The same procedure is called trimmingÌýwhen the vase is handmade. The process allows the potter to that is too thick or unattractive, as well as to provide shape to elements like foots of cups.Ìý

To turn a vase, a potterÌýplaces the vase upside-down on the wheel. She or he then uses tools, such as a loop tool or a scraper, to remove the excess clay from the vessel as it turns. Once a vessel has been turned, it is ready for decoration andÌýthe addition of appendages like handles and spouts.

This essay was written to accompany aÌýcollection of Greek artifacts at the ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ Art Museum.Ìý

References

  • Toby Schreiber,ÌýAthenian Vase Construction: A Potter's AnalysisÌý(Malibu: The J. Paul Getty Museum, 1999): 21-22.