Kohiki
Kohiki (Japanese: 粉引) is a ceramic surface decoration technique in which a white slip is applied over a darker clay body before glazing and firing. The technique produces a soft white surface that often reveals subtle variations and textures of the underlying clay.
In the kohiki process, a layer of liquid white clay slip is applied to the surface of a vessel while the clay is still in a leather-hard state. The slip may be brushed, poured, or dipped onto the pottery. After the slip layer dries, a transparent glaze is usually applied before the piece is fired in the kiln.
Because the slip layer interacts with the glaze and the underlying clay during firing, kohiki surfaces often display irregular tones, soft textures, and areas where the darker clay body subtly shows through the white coating. These natural variations are often valued as part of the aesthetic character of the technique.
Kohiki decoration has been used in several Japanese ceramic traditions, including Karatsu ware, Hagi ware, and certain wares associated with the Mino ceramic tradition. The technique is particularly appreciated for its quiet, natural appearance.
