Anagama Wood Firing Kiln

Anagama Wood Kiln History

The ancient Anagama, introduced from China via Korea in the fifth century. Is a unique technique of wood-firing pottery; the term Anagama describes single-cave kilns built in a slopping tunnel shape.

The Anagama Wood Firing Proccess

The Anagama is fueled with firewood, for about 5-6 days with a    continuously supply of wooden fuel.  The burning woods produce heat up to 2500°F (1400°C), as well as fly ash and volatile salts. Wood ash settles on the clays throughout the firing, and the complex interaction between ash, blaze and the mineral clay body types a unique natural ash glaze. Each pot may receive different measure of heat and ashes, and the results are varied in color and texture. The position of the clay inside the kiln will have an impact of the final results; also there is a dynamic influence between the clays in the kiln.

Usually the wood firing in the kiln will take between 5-6 days, and it would take same amount of days to cool the kiln, before opening.

Meir Moheban’s Anagama Kiln

In 2008 Moheban built his second kiln, the size of the anagama cave– 9 meter length, 1.8 meter height & width, and contain approximately 25 tons of clays.

Once a year, ceramic potteries throughout the country join together and have the opportunity to place their work inside the Anagama kiln cave.