The coil method is a hand building technique of clay construction in which an artisan rolls long "coils" (cylindrical chord-like sections of clay), that are then attached together in order to create a completed functional, decorative, or ceremonial ceramic piece. Traditionally the coil methods was generally used to create vessels or containers. However, in contemporary art the coil method is often applied in order to create sculptural pieces, as well as other interesting design & texture effects. Both historical & contemporary artists have applied the coil method for both structural & aesthetic purposes. The coil method is an ancient technique that can be traced back to ancient, even prehistoric times. The images to the left are examples of early coil vessels

Left (Top): 

This image clearly shows the coil building method applied by the Pueblo Peoples of the Americas. This particular vessel was created approximately 800-900 AD / CE. The top portion of the vessel was clearly created using the coil method, however it is unclear whether the bottom portion was built using the coil or pinch pot method. 

Source: Brooklyn Museum 

Left (Bottom): 

“Flame-rimmed” deep bowl - Japan - Middle Jomon period (ca. 3500–2500 B.C.)

Jōmon pottery vessels are the oldest in the world. The Jōmon period is the earliest historical era of Japanese history, dating back to 14,000 B.C.E.–300 B.C.E. It coincides with the Japanese Neolithic period, meaning this was during the New Stone Age when settlers gave up the hunter-gatherer role and began creating settlements for farming.  

Jōmon vessels are characterized by their decoration from impressions, which resemble rope. The word Jōmon means “cord markings” or “patterns.” 

This vessel is a representation of Japan’s oldest-known civilization. The swirling, dynamic appearance of the rim of this particulr bowl is one of the most recognizable characteristics of wares from. Although most Jōmon containers were cooking vessels, the wildly irregular rim of this type seems unsuitable for practical use and may instead have served a ritual function. This vessel is built with coils of clay smoothed both by hand and with paddles, the bowl has a dramatically simpler lower body that was impressed with a rough cord before being fired in an open pit. 

Source/s: The Art of Education & The Met (Metropolitan Museum NY, NY)