Bernard Leach said of this design, 'free calligraphic use of a brush does not come easily for a European, for we are accustomed from childhood to the heavier pressure of the pencil or the scratch of the pen. For that reason I have best to limit my efforts to a few rhythmic strokes. The fish are made by one brush stroke which is then combed' (Bernard Leach, A Potter's Challenge, p. 132).