How is it possible to hand-build a lid like this from slabs?

[futurebird]

Look at the lid on this teapot, I consider it to be a good example of a "standard" yixing shui ping hu style teapot (the kind made by the millions during the cultural revolution) :

 

 

 

Here is a lid I admire a bit more:

 

 

it's more crisp, also there is a clear lip ridge for the lid to rest on on the teapot body.

 

 

less, complex but look at the curve in the lid.

 

 

Then there is this:

 

 

 

 

*weeps softly* whisper: so perfect

The last one is not really what I'm going for here, though. I'm not there yet... not even close. I just need some ideas for making these lids!

 

Right now what I can do is make a clay cylinder this is the part of the lid that would go *inside* of the pot. On top of that cylinder I put a round slab that is the saem size as the top of my teapot. Then I cut a hole in the pot body that fits the "inside bit" and fit the lid... here are some photos of me doing that:

 

This is hollow. FYI.

 

 

After I fit the lid I carve out the inside of the "inside bit." This gives me a basic lid.

 

So... How can I make it more like the ones I posted? I have tried:

 

1. Stack slabs of decreasing size, then smooth on the banding wheel but this is too lumpy and not the right shape at all.

2. make a thick slab, cut it in a circle then try to carve the shape. ... this isn't symmetrical enough... symmetry in yixing potter comes from tapping, rolling and from using things like a compass or banding wheel... are there any other sources of circular symmetry for slab builders?

3. Rolling a ball then cutting of the top and trying to go from there. (this might have promise still)

 

I'm thinking

 

1. I'll put a super thin slab on top of the pot to make a lip-- then cut through both when I fit it.

2. look for something that can cut that shape?

 

 

Any ideas?? How would you make it without a wheel?

[Ben]

I have always assumed they were made using press molds.

[Pres]

I guess I would start with pinch pot or hammer and anvil technique, wait until it is leather and scrape smooth inside and out.

[Nelly]

I guess I would start with pinch pot or hammer and anvil technique, wait until it is leather and scrape smooth inside and out.

 

 

Dear All,

 

I am not sure if this is what is done but if they aren't using a mold, I would take something like some plastic and lay it across the opening in the pot. I would them take a small slab and lay it over the opening. Once it has slumped sufficiently and dried to a little past leather hard, I would remove this piece. You should have the general impression plus a little bit of an edge on the outside. I think it is just a matter of some clean-up after that and maybe adding a coil around the edge?? The slumping should provide you with an exact size lid for the opening. A coil could be added for an inner flange. Just a guess.

 

Nelly

[neilestrick]

[futurebird]

 

 

 

 

Thanks! I have already watched this video and several others. Sadly, this one cuts off before she makes the lid (though it shows part of how she makes a kind of lip...) though I don't think her pot will have the shui ping hu style lid- it's in more of a xi she (round beauty) style.

 

I also bought a video, it shows the simple lid style I made above.

 

Still, can't hurt to watch again... she's a master!

[futurebird]

I guess I would start with pinch pot or hammer and anvil technique, wait until it is leather and scrape smooth inside and out.

 

 

Dear All,

 

I am not sure if this is what is done but if they aren't using a mold, I would take something like some plastic and lay it across the opening in the pot. I would them take a small slab and lay it over the opening. Once it has slumped sufficiently and dried to a little past leather hard, I would remove this piece. You should have the general impression plus a little bit of an edge on the outside. I think it is just a matter of some clean-up after that and maybe adding a coil around the edge?? The slumping should provide you with an exact size lid for the opening. A coil could be added for an inner flange. Just a guess.

 

Nelly

 

 

 

I'm going to try this.

 

And no it's not done with molds lol. well, the imitation pots use them.

[futurebird]

I made the lid! TThat idea bout "draping" worked!

 

Though, I'm worried about the air trapped in there.... I need to put a hole in the lid anyway....

 

 

And I tried to draw on it a bit too. Naturally that too will take practice.

 

Still, I think I'll fire this one just to see how it functions if I try to brew with it!

 

When I get 5 decent pieces I'll go and fire them. Any tips on that process? I'm going to pay a art center to do it for me... "1100C - 1200C" is not specific enough... But that's what I was told. What cone should I ask for?

 

I'm planning on letting everything dry for about two weeks to avoid any moisture issues.

 

 

 

Can you tell what this is?

 

 

Bold lines are better like sumi-e... but the clay fights back!

 

 

I'm proud of this aspect... everything is aligned correctly!

 

Thanks everyone has been a huge help.

[dOGHAIR]

 

 

 

 

Thanks! I have already watched this video and several others. Sadly, this one cuts off before she makes the lid (though it shows part of how she makes a kind of lip...) though I don't think her pot will have the shui ping hu style lid- it's in more of a xi she (round beauty) style.

 

I also bought a video, it shows the simple lid style I made above.

 

Still, can't hurt to watch again... she's a master!

 

 

The rest of the video is here

 

or the complete video is here

 

[futurebird]

wow, that's really neat... wonder if i can be adapted...

 

 

also I found this!

 

 

 

super helpful!

[PeterH]

Just a thought, could a drop-mould form part of the process?

 

http://tinyurl.com/bu9wnsq

 

Regards, Peter