Hand-formed pots are known as pinch pots. Pinch pots have been made for centuries and are one of the most straightforward types of pottery to make. As a result, archaeologists believe pinch pots are among the oldest types of pottery, and ample evidence from historical sites backs up this theory. Pinch pots are still made today by potters of all skill levels, from beginners just learning to work with clay to seasoned professionals who enjoy experimenting with the form and style of pinch pots.
All that’s needed to make a pinch pot is a ball of clay and a kiln to fire it in. Preparing the clay for working, which is done by kneading it in a process called wedging to eliminate air pockets, is the first step in making a pinch pot. The clay must also be moist, so it can be worked with water or slip to prevent it from drying out and crumbling while making the pinch pot.
The potter pushes a finger into the middle of a ball of clay after it has been worked and formed, forming a small opening. Then, while rotating the ball, he pinches around the sides to widen the opening, thin the sides, and slowly form a pot. Many potters prefer to work their pinch pots against a flat surface to ensure that the bottom of the pot is even and level, preventing the pot from becoming unstable. Pinch potters with skill can produce a smooth, uniform pot with sides that may even flare back in at the top.
If desired, a pinch pot can be burnished and shaped with tools after it has been formed, or it can be bisqued before being glazed and fired. Pinch pots come in a wide range of sizes and functions, from tiny ceremonial pots to massive water or grain storage vessels. The pinch pot can be shaped into a deep bowl, a wide plate, a fluted vase, or anything in between, and it can be decorated with engraved or chased designs or painted patterns, depending on how it is formed.
Pinch pots can be manipulated into the shapes of animals, musical instruments, and other forms in addition to being formed in a regular shape. Pinch pots, for example, can be used to make supports for drum skins or string arrangements for stringed instruments, and they can also be used to make ocarinas.
When making pinch pots, keep in mind that air pockets, as well as extremely uneven pieces like very thick pots with small, delicate handles that could crack off during the firing process, can cause pottery to explode when fired. As a result, it’s critical to keep the piece as level as possible and avoid the formation of air pockets; if you suspect a pinch pot has air pockets, they should be pierced to allow the air to escape, or you should re-wedging the clay and starting over.