A plain outline of what happens from the first conversation to the finished piece, including firing schedules, material choices, and the practical limits of working with clay.
Every commission, workshop, or kiln project follows a similar rhythm. Knowing what happens at each stage keeps expectations clear, whether you are commissioning a vessel, sourcing tableware for an interior, or joining a beginner hand-building class.
We start with a conversation about size, function, and surface. You receive a written summary of the form, the clay body, and the firing range, so there is no guesswork about what will be made.
You get photographs after throwing, after glazing, and after the kiln opens. If a piece warps or a glaze runs unexpectedly, you hear about it before any decision is made.
Stoneware needs slow drying and a bisque firing before glazing. A typical commission runs four to six weeks. Wood firings add another week for loading, firing, and cooling.
Not every form survives a wood firing. Tall necks can slump, and ash glaze results vary with kiln position. You will know which outcomes are realistic before committing to a piece.
Beginner hand-building classes are capped at six people. That keeps enough bench space and kiln room for everyone to finish a set of pieces without feeling rushed.
Pieces are packed individually with soft wrap and rigid boxes. Local pickup in Pretoria is always an option, and courier delivery is quoted per destination before shipping.
Commissioning a ceramic piece or planning a workshop group follows the same route every time. The steps below outline what happens at each stage, how long things usually take, and where you have room to make changes.
Tell me what you have in mind: a set of mugs for daily use, a single sculptural vessel, or a series for a specific room. Include rough dimensions, preferred clay body, and any deadline you are working toward.
We discuss form, surface treatment, and firing method. For functional tableware I send a quick sketch with measurements. For sculptural work, a small clay maquette helps confirm proportions before the real build starts.
Pieces are thrown or hand-built in the studio, then left to dry slowly under plastic to avoid cracking. Depending on wall thickness and the season, drying takes anywhere from five days to two weeks.
Bisque firing reaches around 1000°C to harden the clay. After cooling, each piece is inspected, cleaned, and glazed. Ash glazes and carved surfaces get extra attention at this stage because they behave differently in the kiln.
Stoneware fires to about 1260°C, porcelain slightly higher. Wood firings run longer and need constant attention over 10 to 14 hours. I photograph each finished piece from several angles before it leaves the studio.
Finished work is wrapped in bubble wrap and packed in sturdy boxes. Local pickup from the Pretoria studio is always possible. For fragile sculptural pieces, I recommend collecting in person or arranging a courier with careful handling.
A typical commission takes four to six weeks from consultation to completion, depending on drying time and kiln schedule. If you are unsure which clay body or finish suits your project, the consultation covers that before any making begins.
See available servicesQuestions about a specific piece, an order, or a workshop slot usually come up at different stages of the process. The studio keeps a simple support routine so you know what to expect and when to follow up.
For anything related to an ongoing commission or a recent purchase, include the piece name or order reference. That helps to give a precise answer without back-and-forth.
Best for detailed questions about materials, firing, or commissioning a piece. Attach photos if you are asking about a repair or a specific glaze issue.
info@lijunliang.comFor time-sensitive matters, such as workshop availability or a delivery window. Calls are returned within one working day.
035-351-0310The studio in Pretoria is open by appointment on weekdays between 10:00 and 16:00. A visit is a good way to see the current work in person, discuss a commission, or ask about upcoming beginner hand-building classes. Please book at least two days ahead so the kiln schedule does not interfere with your time here.
8898 Vernon Vista Suite 554
South Bianca, GP 1665
Email and phone messages are answered within two working days. During exhibition preparation or firing weeks, replies may take a little longer; you will always get a confirmation once your message is received.