Anagama. Natural ash & crackle shino glaze. brushwork

The Anagama (meaning cave) type kiln was brought to Japan from China. Anagama kilns are single chamber structures built in the form of a tunnel, with a firebox at one end and a flue at the other. Fuelled with wood, the fire is stoked around the clock to achieve temperatures of around 1400 C. Firings can last over a week, with another week required for cooling before the kiln can be opened. The placement of the pots within the the kiln is carefully thought out many different finishes can be achieved depending on where pots are placed in relation to the path of the flame, proximity to the firebox, and closeness to other pieces.