Huaihua - view of iron and "clay" roofs -
a flat rectangular piece of clay is formed to the desired shape
and size, (flat and long) it is placed on a wooden mold which has
been covered with a moistened cloth. the clay is placed on
a mold, it is then tamped into shape. The mold is then mounted
on a wheel, so that the clay can be smoothed quickly to a
uniform shape and size. (cylindrical) The wooden frame is taken
out, and the cylinders of clay are left to air dry.
After the clay has dried, it is broken into four segments.
These are then fired in a kiln. This same method has been
used throughout China since the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644 AD)
photo. mhobbs