This tray is handbuilt using slab techniques. After the clay has become firm and almost completely dry, I use a sharp needle point tool to carve the tulip design. I then paint black underglaze over the surface and wipe a damp sponge over it, leaving underglaze in only the carved lines. This is a Japanese technique called mishima.

After the first firing, I add the subtle white dots to the background and the coral color to the tulips. The tray is finished with a clear glaze.