The clay paste was poured into tubs, the water was drained off so that it could be solidified. Wooden tubs with no bottom were put on top of several layers of new bricks, with a large piece of fine cloth spread inside. The clay was wrapped in the cloth and pressed with more bricks. When all the water was absorbed, the prepared paste was ready for moulding into bricks.
Workmen are shown pressing water off the cloth by hand or with wooden rods.