Pottery Wheel Thrower (Ceramics Manufacturing)
てろくろせいけいこう
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
An occupation that uses a potter's wheel to manually shape clay for ceramics and create vessel forms.
Description
The Pottery Wheel Thrower (Ceramics Manufacturing) is a trade that mounts clay on a rotating disc called a potter's wheel and shapes vessel forms using hands or spatulas. After forming, the product completes through processes such as drying, bisque firing, glazing, and final firing. Forming requires managing clay moisture, rotation speed, and precise hand movements, with high attention to detail and experience essential for uniform product dimensions and thickness. In factory production, repetitive line work on identical items is mainstream, and team collaboration is important for production efficiency and quality maintenance.
Future Outlook
While demand for ceramics remains stable from crafts to daily necessities, price competition and overseas production pose challenges, with prospects for sustained niche demand for skilled workers. The shortage of technology inheritors is an issue, and the value of artisans with specialized techniques is likely to rise further.
Personality Traits
Dexterous hands and skilled in detailed work / High concentration / Likes making things / Patient
Work Style
Factory Employment / Line Work / Self-Employed Freelancer / Shift Work
Career Path
Apprentice Forming Worker → Forming Worker → Supervisor/Leader → Production Manager → Factory Manager → Independent/Self-Employed (Pottery Workshop Management)
Required Skills
Clay Properties Understanding / Dimension Control / Manufacturing Process Knowledge / Potter's Wheel Operation Technique
Recommended Skills
Drying and Firing Processes / Glaze Chemistry / Quality Control / Tool Maintenance
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | To finish the product's thickness and shape uniformly. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Because it involves standing work and manual labor requiring physical strength and endurance. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Primarily simple measurements, with little advanced mathematical analysis. |
Related Qualifications
- Ceramics Manufacturing Skills Specialist
Aliases
- Throwing Potter
- Wheel Thrower
Related Jobs
- Drying Worker
- Extrusion Molder
- Glaze Applicator
- Slip Casting Molder