SHARKSKIN Technique: Sharkskin is the name given to a porcelain ware that has a fine dew-like finish – soft, but slightly bumpy to the touch. Some collectors refer to the finish on these wares as salt glaze, orange peel, or sand finish. The Japanese call the finish Ishime-yaki (“stone eye” ware). These items are marked, almost exclusively, with the Japanese patent which is no. 17705 and this specifies the process followed to create this intriguing look. Joan assigns the backstamp for this ware as JVP 240. These wares are rarely found. Thanks to an INCC member, Aki Oga Kato who was able to find and translate the patent, we can understand that it is the glaze that creates the interest for these items. Joan recounts the translation in her 5^th Series. Here is the process to create the finish:

1. Draw a picture of a picture on a white porcelain body.
2. Fire the porcelain
3. Put color on the picture.
4. Spray the steamed water on the surface of the porcelain, so at this stage there will be tiny water drops or dew on the surface.
5. Sprinkle in the glass powder on top of the porcelain.
6. Fire in the usual manner. The aim for this process is to easily and speedily make the dew-like surface more beautiful.

Source: Collector’s Encyclopedia of Nippon Porcelain (5^th Series), Pg. 75, Joan Van Patten, Collector Books, Paducah, Ky, 2005. (ISBN: 1-57432-056-4)

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