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Kurinuki for beginners: carve your first cup from a block of clay
Kurinuki for beginners: carve your first cup from a block of clay
Kurinuki is the art of carving a piece from a solid block of clay. A step-by-step introduction to shaping your first cup, keeping the walls even and avoiding cracks.
LC
Louis Coffin
8
Image de couverture
Espresso cup & saucer, on the house
A template to print, then news only when it's worth your time.
Kurinuki is a Japanese technique in which a piece is carved from a solid block of clay rather than assembled. No wheel or slab is needed — just a block, a few tools and patience. The result keeps a raw, faceted character that works beautifully for cups, bowls and vases.
The key challenge for beginners is keeping the wall thickness even and avoiding punctures. Printed templates make those limits easier to read while you shape the clay.
A simple way to start
Firm up a well-compacted block, draw the outside profile on each face, then remove the material around it. Hollow the piece from the top in layers, checking often that the walls stay around 7 to 10 mm. Dry it very slowly under loose plastic before bisque firing and glazing.
Generate your kurinuki templates
Create your kurinuki templates for free — choose kurinuki mode to get the outside profile, top view and hollowing section.
A solid block, controlled walls and a slow drying process are the foundations of a reliable first kurinuki cup.
For another wheel-free approach, explore eight easy pottery ideas
To remember
Measure your soil once, then let the tool apply shrinkage to all your dimensions.
LC
Louis Coffin
Designer and amateur ceramist. Creator of the Gabarits tool.
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Ready to start your first template ?
Free, in your browser. Choose a shape and print to actual size.