The Glazing
Craft with Nis
At TYBO, one of the final steps before a piece is finished belongs to Nis. He is behind the glazing process, brushing on mineral-rich blends that transform the clay under heat.
Opening the kiln is a little like casting a fishing line and waiting to see what might bite. You never know exactly what you’ll get. Sometimes it’s joy. Sometimes it’s disappointment. But you always learn something.
Since TYBO moved to Enghave Plads, Nis has been responsible for the glazing process. Taught by Hans Bo, TYBO’s original potter, Nis slowly made the craft his own. He handed down both practical knowledge and the freedom to approach it differently.
Hans showed me his way, but made it clear I’d find my own. And he was right.
Stepping Into
the Role
Nis' role of taking over the glazing process happened gradually, almost organically. It began with learning the techniques from Hans and slowly gaining confidence in the materials.
What started as a practical solution evolved into something more defining.
I’ve always been drawn to figuring things out - how to set up a space, how to work more efficiently. That side of me naturally found its place in the workshop and in the process of glazing.
Chemistry and Character
TYBO’s signature matte glazes - the soft, tactile finishes found on many of its pieces - were developed in collaboration with Hans.
At the time, most ceramics were glossy. We wanted something that felt more grounded, more natural, Nis explains. Hans helped translate that vision into something material. Using only mineral-based ingredients, we created a glaze that’s both durable and subtle - with the small speckles and softness that have come to define our aesthetic.
Each glaze behaves differently. Some prefer cooler spots in the kiln, others react better to specific forms or surface textures. Nis knows their moods and finds joy in discovering how they react.
Glazing is as much about chemistry as it is about patience and instinct, Nis explains. You can learn the chemistry - how glazes respond to heat, how the minerals interact - but in the end, you have to feel it out. Almost every time I fire the kiln, I include a test. Something new, a small experiment. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t. But I always learn something.
A soft spot for
Moss Green
Lately, Nis has been drawn to the glaze moss green on dark clay. It has depth and texture, it feels grounded and calm, almost like stone.
We used to use it on light clay, but on dark it suddenly had more character, more presence. I really like that, and I especially love it on the Viggo cup.
Life in the workshop
Stinne, Hans, and Nis cherish that at TYBO ideas can unfold slowly, over coffee, through conversation and making.
We’re not chasing rapid growth, Nis says. We care more about staying honest to what we do.
Nis is involved in almost every part of TYBO’s day-to-day. From handling webshop orders to helping customers in the boutique, no two days look alike.
“Some days are logistical, some creative. I like that mix. I would love to have more time to experiment. I’d love to take two weeks. No pressure, just play. One day I will.
Nis wears many hats at TYBO, but glazing is where he finds a kind of quiet.
