Ceramic New Zealand Fur Seal | By Peter Johnson

These gorgeous New Zealand fur seals (kekeno) were fired in Raku style in a gas kiln to around 900- 950 degrees centigrade. The seals are removed with tongs at the maximum temperature, partly covered in combustible materials to give them a variety of colours and surface effects, and, when cooled, waxed and polished.

New Zealand fur seals are found on rocky shores around the mainland, Chatham Islands, and the subantarctic islands (including Macquarie Island). They can also be seen in South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania.

Peter Johnson was born and raised in Invercargill, New Zealand.
He was introduced to clay at high school. He and has made pots, attended and tutored many workshops and built kilns throughout New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Sweden. 
“I dig and process local clays for all my work and my current focus is on ‘raku’ style firing of seals and sea lions in a gas kiln to around 900 - 1000 degrees centigrade. Pieces are removed with tongs at top temperature, partly covered in combustible materials and when cooled, waxed and burnished.”

Please note: Each seal is uniquely handmade - there are slight variations in colour detail and size.