The word shippiki originates in the Seto area of central Japan, a region known for blue-and-white porcelain called Seto ware. The word means pulling the bottom or the hip. Potters usually make their own shippiki with a levelling line (similar to a carpenter’s chalk line). The length depends on the sizes of the thrown forms, but they are usually less than 10 inches long. Sometimes, a short wooden dowel or a cork is tied on one end instead of creating a loop. A benefit of using a cork is that it will float if the shippiki ends up in your water bucket, making it easier to find when you need it.