The carved or molded ring at the base of a pot, bowl, or plate. It elevates the main body of the vessel off the table, providing stability and a designated area to leave unglazed so the piece does not stick to the kiln shelf during firing. Potters usually trim the footrim on a wheel when the clay is leather-hard.
Heard on the job
Make sure you sponge all the glaze off the footrim before you load that platter into the kiln.
Insider tip
A well-trimmed footrim should match the curve of the vessel interior, keeping the bottom wall an even thickness to prevent cracking.
Also heard as
- foot ring
- foot