Horsehair pottery is made from stoneware clay that has been bisque fired. This leaves the fired clay body quite porous, enabling it to absorb the carbon from burning horsehair. Later, the bisque is reheated in the kiln to about 1300 degrees Fahrenheit. When it is removed, individual strands of horsehair, preferably from the tail, are laid against the hot surface. If the temperature on the surface of the piece is just right, the hair will attach to the pot, shrivel up, and begin to burn. As the ash forms, a small deposit of carbon and smoke is absorbed into the clay surface, leaving a permanent trace of the horsehair. When the temperature falls below 900 degrees Fahrenheit, the pot will no longer accept the hair, and the process is over. Because horsehair pottery must be porous in order to achieve the effect, it is not to be used to hold liquids. They may be used for dry arrangements only. Its use is primarily as a piece of art to enhance the décor of your favorite room or to make a statement about your appreciation of your horse. Horsehair pottery is a 20th century Native American tradition that, because of its simple beauty, has been adopted by other potters who also do contemporary American Raku. Like other artwork, horsehair pieces should not be kept in direct sunlight and are best cleaned by gentle brushing.

If you ever have a chance to see it made and watch each hair form its own unique squiggly line, you'll know immediately that you are witnessing another example of the partnership which exists between the hand of the artist and the hand of Mother Nature.