Neriage

Neriage

Neriage is a traditional Japanese ceramic technique that involves combining and layering different colored clays to create intricate patterns and designs. The term neriage translates to kneading or wedging in English, referring to the process of mixing and folding the clays together. In this technique, various colors of clay are stacked, sliced, and then pressed together to form a single block of clay with a distinctive layered appearance. The block is then sliced or cut into smaller pieces, revealing the intricate patterns within. These patterned clay slices are then shaped into various forms, such as plates, bowls, or vases, and fired in a kiln. The resulting ceramic pieces showcase the unique, often mesmerizing designs created by the layered clays. Neriage differs from nerikomi, another Japanese clay layering technique, in that neriage focuses on creating patterns by kneading and folding the clays together, while nerikomi involves stacking and slicing the clays to create more precise, geometric patterns. Neriage has a long history in Japanese ceramics, with early examples dating back to the Momoyama period (1568-1600). The technique has since been embraced and adapted by contemporary ceramic artists worldwide, who continue to explore its creative possibilities and push the boundaries of this traditional craft

ceramic art, pottery, clay, layering, kneading, wedging, patterns, colors, firing

— John Armstrong

CITATION : "John Armstrong. 'Neriage.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/define/neriage?E=434133 (Accessed on October 14, 2026)"