Ishihaze
The term Ishihaze, from Japanese, translates as "broken rock or stone" and refers to a decorative and textural effect that occurs on the surface of ceramic pieces, especially in high-temperature glazes. This effect is characterized by the appearance of small bumps, fissures or irregularities reminiscent of the texture of a broken or worn stone. Ishihaze is not just an accidental imperfection, but, in many cases, is intentionally sought after as part of the wabi-sabi aesthetic, which celebrates the beauty of the imperfect and the natural in Japanese art.
This effect can be generated in a number of ways. It often occurs due to the inclusion of coarse particles or impurities in the clay or glaze mixture, which during firing react unevenly, creating small elevations or breaks in the surface. It can also be due to the use of glazes with uneven shrinkage properties, which causes certain areas to tighten and generate rough or cracked textures.Interesting Fact
Ishihaze is commonly associated with traditional Japanese reduction atmosphere firing techniques, such as the use of wood-fired kilns (anagama) or Shino techniques, where fly ash and variations in kiln temperature contribute to intensify this natural effect.Helpful Tip
To experiment with Ishihaze, use clays that contain coarse particles or add grog in different sizes to the clay mixture. You can also explore glazes that include coarse-grained materials, such as unsieved feldspar, to create similar textures. Test fire in a kiln with controlled temperature fluctuations to observe how the materials interact and produce this effect.
