How to Throw a Lidded Jar

Creating a lidded jar on the pottery wheel is a rewarding process that combines precision and creativity. This project involves crafting both the jar and its fitted lid, requiring careful attention to detail to ensure a snug and functional fit. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced potter, learning how to throw a lidded jar is a valuable skill that allows you to create beautiful and practical pieces, perfect for storing anything from tea leaves to keepsakes. This guide will walk you through the essential steps of how to throw a lidded jar.

What is a Lidded Jar in Pottery?

A lidded jar is a type of pottery vessel that includes both a container and a matching lid, designed to fit securely on top. These jars serve both functional and decorative purposes, making them a versatile addition to any potter’s repertoire. Traditionally, lidded jars have been used for storing items such as food, spices, tea, or even personal treasures.

Their design often combines practicality with artistic expression, as the jar’s form and surface decoration can vary widely, ranging from sleek and modern to intricately detailed. The creation of a lidded jar challenges potters to balance aesthetic appeal with technical skill, ensuring that the lid fits seamlessly while maintaining the overall harmony of the piece.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

To create a lidded jar, you’ll require a set of essential tools and materials. Start with a high-quality clay body suitable for your intended design and purpose, whether it’s stoneware, porcelain, or earthenware. You’ll also need a pottery wheel or a hand-building setup to shape the jar and its lid. Basic pottery tools, such as a wire cutter, rib tools, needle tool, and modeling tools, will help in crafting and refining the jar’s form.

For the lid, a caliper is indispensable for measuring and ensuring a proper fit. Finally, glazing supplies, including brushes, sponges, and your choice of glazes, will enable you to finish the piece with your desired aesthetic. Having these tools and materials on hand will set you up for success in creating a functional and beautiful lidded jar.

10 Methods How to Throw a Lidded Jar

1. Preparing the Clay for Wheel Throwing

Creating a successful lidded jar begins with properly preparing your clay. Select a stoneware or porcelain body suitable for wheel throwing, ensuring it is well-wedged to remove air bubbles and achieve a consistent texture. Depending on your desired jar size, weigh out two portions of clay: one for the body and a smaller one for the lid.

Many potters throw the lid from a separate lump, though some opt to throw it off the jar itself. The clay must be neither too hard nor too soft—too firm and it will resist shaping, too soft and it may collapse under the wheel’s momentum. Place the larger lump on the center of your wheel and begin centering it with firm pressure, preparing for a balanced and symmetrical throw.

2. Centering and Opening the Clay on the Wheel

With the wheel spinning at medium speed, use both hands to apply even pressure and center the clay, forming a stable mound. This is one of the most critical steps in wheel throwing. Once centered, gradually open the mound by pressing your thumbs or fingers into the center while bracing with your opposite hand. Open the form down to your intended base thickness—typically around 1/4 inch—then pull outward to create the jar’s internal cavity. Keep the walls upright initially, as this will help you control the form better when shaping the jar’s body in later steps.

3. Pulling and Shaping the Jar Walls

Begin raising the walls with gentle, consistent pulls. Anchor one hand inside and the other outside, applying light pressure while slowly lifting the clay upward. Aim for even thickness as you pull—uneven walls can lead to collapse or warping later. Once the walls are at your desired height, shape the form according to your vision: traditional jars may have a cylindrical or slightly bulbous body. Be mindful of the rim—this is where the lid will seat. Shape it cleanly and intentionally, either by creating an inward flange or by leaving it flat and trimming later to accept a gallery.

4. Forming the Lid Seat or Gallery

Creating a secure lid requires a well-defined gallery, the inset ledge where the lid will rest. Once the main body is thrown and shaped, reduce the wheel speed and use a rib or wooden tool to compress and carve an internal ledge just below the rim. The gallery should be about 1/4 inch wide and 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep, depending on the thickness of your lid. A smooth, even gallery ensures that the lid fits properly and won’t rock or slip off. Take your time—this detail is both functional and aesthetic.

5. Throwing the Lid from a Separate Lump

To create a lid that fits precisely, many potters throw the lid shortly after finishing the jar body. Start by centering a small ball of clay on the wheel, then open it as if throwing a small bowl or disc. Flatten and widen the form slightly larger than the gallery of the jar. You may choose a domed or flat lid, but ensure that the outer lip will sit securely within the gallery. Once satisfied, gently cut the lid free from the wheel using a wire tool and set it on a bat or board to firm up to leather-hard consistency before trimming.

6. Shaping a Knob or Handle on the Lid

The lid should be functional and easy to lift, so incorporating a handle or knob is essential. This can be thrown directly on the lid or added as a separate coil or pinch of clay. For a thrown knob, center a smaller lump atop the lid during throwing and pull it upward into a button, loop, or other form. If adding separately, score and slip both surfaces before attaching, then blend and smooth the join with fingers or a modeling tool. Consider aesthetics, comfort, and practicality when designing your lid handle—this small detail plays a large role in the jar’s usability.

7. Letting the Pieces Reach Leather-Hard

After both parts are thrown, they should be allowed to dry slowly and evenly until they reach leather-hard stage. This firmness allows for precise trimming and fitting, and helps prevent warping or cracking. Cover the jar and lid loosely with plastic to slow drying and keep them at similar moisture levels. It’s crucial that the lid and jar shrink at the same rate, especially before final fitting, as mismatched shrinkage can lead to a poorly fitting or stuck lid. Place both on wooden or plaster bats to help absorb moisture from below.

8. Trimming the Base and Refining the Gallery

Once leather-hard, trim the jar’s base using a loop tool while it is centered upside down on the wheel. This process refines the foot ring and improves balance and weight distribution. While trimming, also revisit the gallery to ensure it’s smooth and properly angled to accept the lid. You can define the lid’s seating even further by slightly beveling the inner ledge. Trimming is also an opportunity to add visual details, such as carved rings or a stepped base. Well-executed trimming gives the jar a professional and balanced finish.

9. Fitting and Adjusting the Lid

At this stage, test the lid on the jar. It should sit snugly within the gallery without rocking. If it’s too tight, use a trimming tool to gently shave down the lid’s seating edge or widen the gallery. If too loose, you can sometimes thicken the gallery lip with a coil of soft clay, although this is best avoided by careful measurement beforehand. Some potters create a “keyed” lid, where the lid aligns with a notch in the gallery, locking it in place. Adjustments must be made with the pieces leather-hard—once they dry further, alterations become difficult.

10. Final Drying, Bisque Firing, and Glazing

With both the jar and lid fitted and trimmed, allow them to dry completely to bone-dry stage. Dry slowly and evenly, ideally under plastic or in a damp box for the first day, then uncovered in a cool, dry space. Once fully dry, bisque fire both pieces together to prevent fit issues later due to slight changes in shape or size. During glazing, consider whether you want the gallery and lid edge to remain unglazed for a tight fit. Apply wax resist or leave those areas bare. Glaze firing brings your lidded jar to life, revealing the form, function, and aesthetic harmony you’ve worked so carefully to achieve.

Conclusion

Throwing a lidded jar on the wheel is a satisfying challenge that blends technique with creativity. From centering the clay to fitting the lid, each step requires attention, patience, and a sense of proportion. Whether you’re creating a functional sugar jar or an ornate lidded urn, mastering these ten methods will deepen your confidence at the wheel and expand your pottery repertoire. Thanks for reading our blog post on how to throw a lidded jar! We hope you found it helpful and informative.