Dutch designer Floris Wubben has created a flame-throwing device that allows him to form uneven textures across a collection of ceramics (+ slideshow).
Wubben places the wet ceramic pieces on a rotating central stand of the apparatus, while an adjustable semicircular arm holds a blowtorch. The torch applies a flame directly to the surface of the object.
As the material reacts to the high temperature it creates textured layers. These can be changed by adjusting the distance between the porcelain and the flame, and the speed at which the object revolves.
Wubben designed the tool after experimenting with ceramics, and finding that many pieces were breaking in the kiln.
"It is a delicate process to work with ceramics – the temperature of the oven and the dryness of the clay are all very precise," he told Dezeen. "I started to investigate how you can control explosions of ceramics – when pieces are wet and you heat the surface, layers jump out."
The Erosion collection was produced in partnership with Cor Unum ceramics studio, and includes bowls, pots and cups. Each of the pieces is decorated with different glazes and colours, and feature individual patterns and textures.
"I mix the glazes myself and like to use earth colours," said Wubben. "Before I start burning with the heater I glaze the object, then when you start burning, layers with glaze burst from the shape."
The designer previously experimented with wood, binding and splitting the branches of a willow tree to force it to grow into four chair legs.
Other textured ceramics include Sophie Dries' scored ceramic and metal vases, and Benjamin Hubert's moulded containers which feature raised criss-crossing seams.