OPTICAL LOWERING
The pot height can be optically lowered using horizontal division. Figure 5.

The repeating parallel lines, whether formal, textured or coloured, extend the shape in the direction of the lines .

For vertical lines - e.g. on cascades - slimming occurs. This is caused by using various grooves or chutes.

RIM EFFECT
Successive emphasizing of the pot rim increases visual weight. Figure 6 shows a basic shape.

One can see how it’s optical weight grows as the rim becomes more pronounced.

This applies to all shapes of pot

EFFECT OF LEGS ON POT WEIGHT
The position of the legs is important in this case, see figure 7. The heaviest option is at the top - the legs are aligned with the pot outline.

The pot appears lighter if the feet are moved under the basic shape.

Figure 8
The length and height of the legs is important as well. The longer and lower, the better feeling of weight and stability, the pot looks heavier in the lower picture.

Pots may also be active or passive in feeling, figure 9. Generally the more conspicuous the legs and rim are, or colours and texture are more vibrant and pronounced, the more active the pot will seem.

Passive pots are more self contained having the rim and feet included in the basic design, with quieter and smoother more subdued glazes.