## How to Make Master Molds: This lesson covers methods for making irregularly-shaped master molds. **Chrysanthemum Petal Master Mold:** First make a clay block, flatten the top and bottom of the clay block according to the required height dimensions, then find the center point. Draw a straight line through the center point, and based on the required radius dimension, draw a circle slightly larger. After drawing, divide the circumference into equal parts (six equal parts, eight equal parts, or other requirements as needed). Place the pre-prepared template on the division lines—it must be placed accurately—then draw vertical lines from the top down to the bottom, so that the top and bottom align on the same straight line. (Figure 1) **Lotus Petal Master Mold:** Assuming an upper opening diameter of 80 millimeters and a belly diameter of 130 millimeters, first turn the clay block properly, then make twelve equal divisions on the bottom opening (the twelve equal divisions on the belly are drawn from the division lines on the opening surface). Then draw two lines on the belly according to the highest and lowest points of the petal shape, and use a specially made tool to scrape out the ridges. (Figure 2) **Sunflower-Style Master Mold:** The sunflower style must have eighteen lines, but not eighteen equal divisions, because each sunflower petal edge requires two lines, so eighteen lines are needed to make each small arc identical. (Figure 3) Master molds of various different shapes can all be made by referring to the above methods. --- [Figures 1, 2, and 3 referenced in the original text with hand-drawn diagrams]