Expression: Throwing pots

[NinaZara]

Hello,

Why do we say "throwing pots" when we are making pottery?

Can we use the word "throw" here for other than pottery?

Many thanks in advance.

Nina

[Mister Micawber]

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I think it is terminology peculiar to potting, Nina. My intuition has always been that the unformed clay is forcefully 'thrown' onto the potter's wheel, so that the base will be secure as the wheel is turned and the pot is formed-- but I may be wrong in my etymology.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[NinaZara]

Oh, now I get the idea why. I usually see it on TV when the clay is already on the turning wheel. I haven't seen the throwing part yet.

Thank you Mister Micawber.