Japanese style Kick Wheel
The kick wheel for most potters is simply a torturous idea and for others it is seen as a journey, a challenge to train for, an immersion into their craft and an opportunity to fuse mind, body and spirit with their art. If you believe there is more to art than the end product, then attempting to throw on a kick wheel is an experience worth having.
Martins aversion to the noise of an electric wheel meant he needed to work on a silent style kick wheel. Kick wheels have an ancient history and there are many variations – the two versions that peeked his interest were the Korean onggi wheel and the japanese karatsu wheel. The onggi wheel is wider and lower and meant for building very large pots. Martin began with the taller karatsu used for throwing smaller vessels.
The principle is simple and comprises of two wooden drums made from laminated wooden discs that are joined by four connecting spokes. This wooden structure spins on bearings around a central metal pole, that stands on three metal feet. The kick wheel is set in motion and spun by the potters body as he kicks the wheel. If correctly built and weighted, momentum keeps it spinning.
Because these are not easily manufactured they are quite rare outside of Japan. It is extremely hard to obtain or buy one especially in South Africa.
"As passionate woodworker I designed and successfully constructed my own kick wheel by studying pictures and applying an analytical logic of proportions and mathematics."
Martin chose to use Afrormosia, hardwood from a large central African tree, for the top layers of the two drums.
"This high quality african timber is one of my favourite woods to work with. It is used on sailing boats because it deals so well with being wet. It dries readily, is resistant and extremely durable under adverse conditions and doesn’t warp, making it ideal for kicking and throwing."
Working on a kick wheel results in the casual lack of perfect symmetry and wabi-sabi aesthetic which is deeply appealing. It takes practice, balance and a deep understanding of how to throw and trim pottery while kicking.
If you are interested in ordering one of Martin's custom built Tendeuka kick wheels please send us an email.
Shop Pottery HandTools
Paddle And Anvil
These tools help to even out the walls of hand built pots using either coils or slabs. Used by the Korean Onggi makers when constructing large fermenting vessels.
The mushroom shaped anvil is held at the inside wall of the pot and then hit from the outside with the paddle.
Should you wish to find out more please drop us an email.
Bowl Shapers
These thickish discs, in four different sizes have tapered edges and help to shape the base of a bowl and achieve even curves when throwing.
Should you wish to find out more please drop us an email.
Throwing Ribs
Ribs with different curves and angles used to shape clay into different forms.
All wooden tools are made from Afrormosia, a high quality timber which withstands being exposed to water.
Should you wish to find out more please drop us an email.
