Tall Narrow Vase by Deborah Harwood

"Neriage" is a Japanese decorative ceramic technique that involves combining different coloured clays to create unique patterns within the structure of the piece. Unlike other techniques that apply surface decorations, neriage integrates the colors directly into the clay mass, which means that the patterns remain visible even if the piece is cut or sanded. 

This technique produces complex visual effects, such as veins, spirals, marbling or layers, which are revealed as the clay is shaped or worked. 

Neriage is achieved by layers of different coloured clay which have been kneaded, twisted and cut. The layers are then strategically placed in the pure white porcelain to create the desired designs and then hand thrown on the wheel. to create the desired designs.

It originated in ancient Chinese ceramics of the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD), where it was used to create marbleised effects on porcelain and decorative pieces. It was rediscovered and perfected in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868), and has since become an emblematic technique of Japanese art ceramics.

Deborah Harwood is a master of Neriage and her pieces are brilliant examples of this ancient technique.