The koru is a spiral shape based on the appearance of a new unfurling silver fern frond. It is an integral symbol in Māori art, carving and tattooing, where it symbolizes new life, growth, strength and peace. Wikipedia

I sold a bowl to one of my favorite customers and she was so happy with the pot and commented on the Kuro design in the bottom. I had no idea what that meant! I told her I didn’t know anything about kuro. She proceeded to show me a bowl she brought back from New Zealand with the same swirl in the bottom. She told me in New Zealand kuro was a symbol of new life, new beginnings and hope. Perfect!

I have been making this swirl in my pots from the beginning. Lots of potters make this design. It happens naturally a lot of the time and I rarely smooth it away. There is something wonderful about it that fits my style of pots. I love how the glazes will catch onto it and bring it to life! As I read about the fern frond I remembered how much I loved the look of the new ferns popping up in the spring back in Massachusetts, when I was a kid. It just confirms that I need to continue putting the Kuro design in the bottom of my pots because who doesn’t need a symbol of new beginnings in their life? Thanks, Kathi Frasier, for sharing this tidbit with me.

As we finish out these last couple of weeks of 2020 and enter into the new year, I hope you will find something that will bless you with new life, new beginnings and new hope!

Cindy xo