Jigger and jolly
Jiggering and jollying are mechanical forming techniques used in ceramics to produce uniform, symmetrical objects such as plates, bowls, and cups. In these processes, a lump of clay is placed onto a rotating plaster mold. A shaped template or arm (often referred to as a “profile tool”) is then introduced, which sculpts the clay against the mold. Jiggering typically refers to the operation where the outside of a piece is formed by the profile tool while the plaster mold defines the inside shape, whereas jollying is essentially the inverse, with the plaster mold setting the external shape and the profile tool sculpting the interior. These techniques allow for rapid, repeatable production of ceramic ware with consistent thicknesses and dimensions, particularly useful in industrial or semi-industrial settings where large batches of identical pieces are required.Interesting Fact
Originally, jiggering and jollying were separate industrial processe; one machine shaped the outside (jigger) and another shaped the inside (jolly). Over time, factories began to combine or adapt equipment, causing overlap in terminology. This blend of craft and efficiency bridges hand-thrown techniques with automated production.Helpful Tip
Keep the clay and plaster mold at consistent moisture levels to prevent slumping or poor formation. Maintain a uniform clay body formula, regularly clean the shaping tool, and store molds properly. Even slight residue or minor mold damage can distort final pieces.
