PLATE III. Throwing.—Lesson II, 3.
This wedging or waging of clay—the word has descended from the old English potters—is important. A strong table should be built of which the top, measuring about 30 by 20 inches, is made of two-inch plank. A raised edge two inches high is fastened firmly by being nailed to the sides; the trough thus formed is then filled with plaster and allowed to harden. An upright post is fastened in the center of one side and from the top of this a fine brass wire is stretched to the other side of the table, thus making a diagonal. The worker stands at the side of the table opposite the post. The ball of clay is taken in both hands and cut in two against the wire, then the pieces are slapped smartly upon the plaster, one on top of the other. The whole lump is then lifted, cut in two and slapped down as before. The lump of clay is thus formed into layers, the irregularities in hardness are corrected and the clay made smooth. A little practice will make the work quite easy but it will often be found necessary to cut and beat the clay fifteen or twenty times before a good texture is secured. If the plaster table be dry the clay will be stiffened rapidly but the plaster may be made wet to prevent this if it should not be necessary. A clay may also be softened in this way by sprinkling it with water as the wedging goes on.
PLATE IV. Throwing.—Lesson III, 1.
PLATE V. Throwing.—Lesson III, 2.
Lesson III. Center the ball as in Lesson II and moisten both hands and the clay. Grasping the clay lightly but with sufficient force, press the right thumb downwards and towards the palm and a cup-shaped hollow is formed in the clay. Raise the right hand slowly, still keeping a light pressure upon the clay with the thumb. The clay wall will rise with the hand. Now insert the two first fingers of the left hand into the hollow and hold them against the right-hand wall. Slacken the speed of the wheel a little. Bend the forefinger of the right hand and press the second joint and the knuckle against the outer wall so as to oppose the fingers which are inside. Press the thumbs together to steady the hands and raise both hands upwards together. The fingers inside and outside the clay should be kept at a definite distance apart so that as the hands rise, the clay is brought to a uniform thickness. The hands are brought steadily to the full height to which the clay will go and thus a cylinder is formed.
Repeat this lesson three or four times with fresh clay.
