The work is stored in air tight containers during the third stage, "Equilibridization," while the water distributes itself evenly throughout the clay body. This may take several months. On a regular basis, the piece will be carefully and evenly compressed with a gentle patting of its exterior.

STAGE 4: SPHERICALIZATION

A sphere is the only three-dimensional surface in which all points are equidistant from the center. Some polyhedra (many-sided three-dimensional forms) can approximate a sphere, but none have surfaces that are as uniformly equal and symmetrical as a sphere. Before clay has hardened, it can be compressed, its angles becoming curves, to conform to a more spherical shape. Although a cube (Cuboctahedral Style) (Cuboctahedral Style) would be very difficult to compress into a sphere, its sharp corners can be truncated to form another polyhedron such as the the cuboctahedron (with more equidistant surfaces than the cube). A cuboctahedron can be easily "sphericalized."(During this time, the porcelain is firm yet plastic) The truncation process itself unveils new layers of symmetrical design features that will be seen in the finished piece.

Adapted tools are used to achieve spherical curvature on the work's outer convex surface. Wine glass rims, tin cans, or sections of copper tubing are some of the items that are adapted as tools for this purpose. The degree of curvature on the surface of the work determines which size rim to use. At this stage the top and bottom of the work is determined. By gently tapping the sphere on a flat surface, the bottom is flattened and becomes a solid base for the work. The top will retain its spherical curvature.

After final adjustments are made to all surfaces, the work moves to Stage 5: Sculpting.