Horse hair can be applied to the unglazed surface of a freshly fired piece of pottery. When applied to the surface of the pot, the horse hair starts to burn and wither from the heat, which leaves behind a trail of carbon mimicking the lines of the horsehair. Individual artists have used different finishes and solutions to give their pieces a new look. Methods used include the application of iron solutions to create a reddish color or burnishing with wax for a glossier surface appearance.
The pottery is processed after it has been shaped on the potter's wheel and dried. The basic horse hair technique requires the potter to fire the unglazed clay to around 1900 degrees Fahrenheit. While the pottery still is very hot, approximately 1300 degrees Fahrenheit, it is removed from the kiln and individual strands of horse hair are applied to the surface to leave behind the characteristic black lines in the surface of the pot.
Choosing the correct hair for this technique is important to creating a striking finished product. Generally, the thicker the hair used during the process, the better the results, which makes the tail and mane hair of the horse best suited for use. Finer hair also can be used to create a more diaphanous look, but too thin hair can burn away without leaving behind any mark on the pottery.
Ceramic horse hair pottery shares a common appearance because of the decorative technique, and it can come in many shapes and sizes. Using low-fire clay, potters can create horsehair pieces using a casting slip, as well as through hand building and puzzle building techniques. Shapes include traditional pots, large and small, and sculptured shapes and boxes.