About the Artist Wanying Liang: https://shop.wanyingliang.com/pages/about-the-artist
A mug's handle is the physical connection between the user and the vessel. It is a detail that is far too often overlooked in production pottery. I have seen countless beautiful cups let down by a handle with no spirit, character, or structural integrity.
Whether I am making the delicate Spring Dawn porcelain mugs or the heavier stoneware Yukon series, I pull all of my handles entirely by hand. Here is my studio process for pulling and attaching handles that are structurally strong and visually fluid.
The Hand-Pulling Process
I never extrude my handles. Pulling the clay by hand aligns the clay particles, creating a much stronger final product.
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The Prep: I start by taking a large lump of wedged clay and shaping it into a tapered cone (resembling a large carrot).
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The Pull: Holding the thick end, I heavily lubricate the clay with water. Using the web of my hand (between the thumb and index finger), I press and pull the clay downward. You must use enough water so that there is no drag or friction.
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The Central Ridge: As I pull the clay to its final length and thickness, I intentionally use the natural curve of my fingers to leave a raised ridge right down the center of the clay strap. This is not just an aesthetic choice—that central ridge acts as a structural spine, giving the handle immense strength against warping.
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The Setup: I pinch off the strap and bend it into a gentle curve on a plaster bat to dry.
The Attachment and Compression
You cannot attach a wet handle to a leather-hard cup; the difference in shrinkage will cause it to tear right off. You must wait until the handle reaches a "soft-hard" stage—meaning it is no longer sticky to the touch and can hold its shape when lifted.
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Score and Slip: I visualize the placement, cut the excess clay from the handle, and deeply score both the attachment points on the mug and the handle with a needle tool. I apply a generous dab of thick slip to act as the glue.
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Aggressive Compression: I press the handle firmly into place, pushing inward against the wall of the cup. I compress the joint multiple times. You want to see the slip squeeze out of the sides of the joint.
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The Final Clean: Once the slip sets up slightly, I take a damp brush and gently wipe away the excess slip, smoothing the transition between the handle and the wall. This final, smooth transition is critical to prevent micro-cracks from forming as the mug shrinks to bone dry.
Want to see this exact technique in action? Watch the full step-by-step handle-pulling masterclass by joining my YouTube Channel Membership here: https://www.youtube.com/@Liangceramicstudio/membership