Anagama kiln
A single-chamber anagama kiln, dug into the side of a mountain. Using wood as fuel, it is one of the oldest types of kilns, where fire and ash directly interact with the pottery, creating unique effects such as kiln variations and natural glazes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Anagama Kilns
Q1. What is the difference between an anagama kiln and a noborigama (climbing kiln)?
Both are wood-fired kilns that utilize a slope, but their internal structure is significantly different.
・Anagama Kiln: A single large chamber (single-chamber kiln) with no internal divisions. The flame passes directly from the firebox to the chimney at the back.
・Noborigama (Climbing Kiln): The interior is divided into several stepped chambers (firing chambers). It is an evolved version of the anagama kiln, which can efficiently heat subsequent chambers by utilizing the residual heat from the preceding one.
Think of an anagama kiln as a "studio apartment" and a noborigama as an "apartment building with many rooms."
Q2. Is it true that glaze is not applied to the works?
Yes. Many works fired in anagama kilns, such as Bizen ware and Shigaraki ware, are placed directly into the kiln as raw clay without applying artificial glaze beforehand.
The unique colors and luster are due to "natural glaze." As wood is burned for days, a large amount of wood ash (wood ash) floats around inside the kiln. This ash accumulates on the works and, at temperatures above 1200℃, undergoes a chemical reaction with the feldspar and silica sand contained in the clay, melting and transforming into a natural vitreous material (glaze).
Q3. Why is anagama firing considered to have a high risk of failure?
Firing in an anagama kiln is extremely risky and demanding because temperature control cannot be managed with the push of a button, unlike modern electric or gas kilns. The main reasons are as follows:
・Extremely difficult flame control: The temperature and flame distribution inside the kiln change every second depending on wind direction, humidity, and the condition of the wood.
・Risk of being "buried in ash": Because wood is continuously fed into the kiln, pieces near the firebox can become completely buried in embers and ash. While this can result in exquisite textures (such as "scorching"), it can also cause pieces to deform or crack.
・Long hours of physical labor: A single firing requires continuous feeding of wood for several days, or even over a week in some cases, 24 hours a day.
It is precisely because it is a "serious battle with fire," often resulting in more than half of the works being unsellable after battling lack of sleep and intense heat, that unique and beautiful pieces are born.