Pottery Brooch: Ryukin Goldfish "Sakura-chan"

In a corner of an amusement park, a goldfish exhibition was being held. This is the Ryukin Sakuranishiki variety, which I fell in love with at first sight. Ryukin goldfish naturally lack dorsal fins, and I found their plump, rounded form to be incredibly charming, which inspired me to create this piece. Size: Approx. H 25 x W 50 mm Material: Pottery * The photos show the actual item you will receive. * Materials may change in future productions. .............................................. About the Creation Process: Starting from a sketch, the clay is shaped and then left to dry slightly before repeated adjustments. I create enough pieces to fill the kiln evenly over about a month. Bisque firing takes 7 hours, after which the pieces are carefully wiped with water and individually glazed before the main firing for 12 hours. Some pieces are then adorned with gold glaze and returned to the kiln for another 7 hours. Due to the necessary slow cooling process, I wait about two days after each firing before removing the pieces from the kiln. Finally, each brooch is inspected, and pins are attached to the successful ones. Currently, the success rate is around 70%. This process requires significant time and effort, but the result is a decorative brooch that combines the tactile feel of clay, the strength of pottery, the lustrous sheen of glaze, and the sparkle of gold accents. I hope it becomes a cherished item you can use for a long time, unchanged.