A masterclass exploring structural pattern, precision slicing and the meditative process of shaping coloured clay from raw block to Nerikomi vessel.
Dates: 22nd - 24th of September, 2027
Location: LerKalaset, Ry, Denmark
Duration: 3 days
Teaching hours: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (including 1-hour lunch break)
Format: handbuilding and slap building, -suitable for beginners and experienced potters
Includes: Clay, materials, coffee/tea/snacks
Firing: Participants will have the option to have their pieces fired by paying a kiln and glazing service fee (DKK 250-800 per piece, depending on the size). Unfired pieces can be collected at no additional cost.
Number of masterclass enrollments: 12
Masterclass enrollment fee: DKK 8450 (1130 €)
A crash course to nerikomi, designed to introduce students to the nerikomi technique as a whole, starting with preparation of materials, a hands-on experience on many different ways of making nerikomi, tips, tricks, and discussions, all in one workshop.
Nerikomi is a captivating pottery technique that creates decorative patterns by stacking, rolling, and slicing coloured clay. Because these intricate patterns are structural rather than painted on, they beautifully reveal detailed images and complex, repetitive designs on both sides of the clay slabs. Nareswari plays with this technique to bring out unique visual results and a striking variety of patterns.
What you will learn
● Students will learn what to prepare to make nerikomi work, such as making coloured clay with ceramic stains.
● Students will be able to experience making a variety of nerikomi patterns and learn how the technique works to be able to explore on their own.
● Students will receive a headstart to navigating and troubleshooting through the nerikomi process.
Master class Programme
Day 1
An introduction to the history and possibilities of Nerikomi. Students will learn how to make coloured clay using ceramic stains and prepare materials for the masterclass.
● Option 1: Chequered Plate (Slab Technique) – A perfect introduction to understanding how the technique works while creating a unique chequered pattern.
● Option 2: Flowers (Cane Technique) – Inspired by Eiji Murofushi, students will learn to build a cane and manipulate it to create beautiful, duplicated patterns.
Day 2
Students will learn how to build a complex Nerikomi block with a chequered pattern and use slab-building techniques to construct and decorate their piece.
● Option 1: Constructing a Checkered Nerikomi Box.
● Option 2: Constructing a Checkered Cup or Mug.
Day 3
A guided open session to explore your own Nerikomi creations with expert guidance.
● Pattern & Finishing – Demonstrations on advanced pattern making and essential finishing techniques, including bone-dry and bisque sanding.
● Studio Practice & Troubleshooting – Discussions on studio practices, recycling clay, controlling the drying process, and preventing or fixing cracks.
Nabila Nareswari Potter / Artist / Ceramicist
About Nabila
b. 1998
Product Design, Pelita Harapan University, 2020 Indonesian, based in Jakarta, Indonesia
Nabila is a ceramic artist based in Jakarta, Indonesia who specialises in nerikomi. She earned her Bachelor's degree from Pelita Harapan University studying Product Design, and it was here where she developed an interest in nerikomi, which then became the focal point of her final project and eventual focus of her craft. After graduation, she continued exploring nerikomi further, eventually setting up her studio, ‘Nareswari’ – a playground where she experiments and a place to showcase her creations.
‘I like the idea of art that is near you, present in your daily life. With that, I’d like to think that my pieces are functional art, making simple everyday moments like sipping your morning tea or setting aside your rings at the end of the day become meaningful experiences. I’d like to think that I’m making your favourite mug.’
