The Meaning of Icchin-Gaki (Slip-Trailing) and Its Etymology

イッチン描き【Icchin-gaki】

Slip-trailing/slip-trailed decoration

The English term “slip-trailing” refers to a pottery technique, also known as tube drawing.

 

In this technique, a decorative clay, glaze, or paint is poured into a tube called icchin (a bamboo tube with a spout or dropper). This mixture is then squeezed onto the pottery or ceramic surface to create a design. The term “gaki” in Japanese means “drawing.”

 

The English word “slip” refers to a muddy, liquid clay mixture, often described as a “porridge” consistency.

 

The word “trail,” in this context, originates from “tra-” as in “tractors” and “tracks,” which carry the etymological meaning of “to drag” or “to leave a mark by dragging.”

 

Thus, “slip-trailing” captures the technique of applying a porridge-like liquid to a surface to leave marks or draw patterns, much like dragging a mark across the pottery.

参考：〈「工芸」英訳ガイドライン〉（ ザ・クリエイション・オブ・ジャパン）