Kenwood Porcelain, Thomas Hoadley

Lanesborough, Massachusetts

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Kenwood Porcelain is a collection of ceramic jewelry hand made from colored clays. The various patterns seen in the multicolored disks are created by layering and manipulating slices of colored porcelain to form a block or loaf of patterned clay, a technique called nerikomi. The block is then sliced to shape the disks. After firing, the disks are tumbled in water to create a smooth matte finish. The necklaces are strung on tough waxed linen cord and the earrings are fitted with sterling silver earwires or base metal clip backs.

Thomas Hoadley was first introduced to the nerikomi technique by a Japanese master potter while in graduate school. Much experimentation followed and in 1980 he started selling pottery made from colored porcelain using the nerikomi technique. In 1985 he introduced Kenwood Porcelain, a line of porcelain jewelry made with the same materials and techniques. He continues to make both types of work and his pottery can be found in several museum collections.

Tom's sources of inspiration for the colors and patterns are quite varied, the natural world being primary. Patterns seen in shells, rocks, flowers, butterfly wings, seed pods and even clouds have all influenced his designs.

Earrings and Company has more of Kenwood Porcelain's jewelry available at our Freeport Maine jewelry store.