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KERAMIC STUDIO 
KOREAN POTTERY, METROPOLITAN MUSEUM 
BUILDING AND DECORATING POTTERY SHAPES 
Adelaide Alsop Robineau. 
r I ^ HE bowl problem is a fascinating one, both in build- 
A ing and in decorating, but as this subject needs a 
chapter to itself, we will pass over the bowls in the illus- 
trations except in calling attention to the all over design 
application. The center vase is worthy of study in many 
ways. The gently flowing outline is a fine variation of the 
problem referred to last month, probably you will think it 
a far cry from this to the vase in the lower right corner, 
yet they are variants one of the other, the first being by 
all odds the more beautiful and unusual solution of the 
gourd and neck problem. Note the grooved line at intervals 
dividing the vase into five panels without visibly affecting 
the outline of the vase. On a built vase this sort of treat- 
ment could only be accomplished by cutting out with tools 
after the form is completed, but on a thrown vase the effect 
can be given by pressing with the finger immediately after 
throwing. This would show a corresponding convexity on 
the inner side of the vase, while in the case of a built vase 
the inside would remain unaltered. 
A third point to note is the continuous vertical decoration 
on the panels. The indefiniteness of the vine helps keep 
its place, at the same time gives the charming touch of dec- 
oration which makes a completely satisfying thing. This 
design emphasizes the lines of the grooved panelling While 
at the same time it keeps the latter from taking a too promi- 
nent place. All these vertical lines 
give more elegance to the form, 
which, if decorated in horizontal 
lines, would have taken on a 
squatty appearance. 
This is a point that should al- 
ways be borne in mind. When 
your vase is completed, look at it 
well and critically. If you have 
succeeded in building so that you 
can see no improvable line, let it 
stand as it is. If it seems thicker 
in the neck or any part than you 
wish, decorate with vertical lines 
where you wish to narrow, or with 
horizontal lines where you wish to 
widen. 
Contrast this vase with the other 
on this page. This vase you see 
KOREAN POTTERY,; METROPOLITAN MUSEUM 
