Noborigama kiln
A kiln with multiple firing chambers connected along a hillside. Each chamber has a different temperature. This traditional kiln type is still used in producing areas such as Bizen ware, Shigaraki ware, and Hagi ware.
Frequently Asked Questions about Noborigama Kilns
Q1. What is the structure of a Noborigama (climbing kiln)?
It is a multi-chambered wood-fired kiln that utilizes a mountain slope, with multiple firing chambers arranged in a terraced manner. The flames and hot air from the firebox at the lowest part flow sequentially to the chambers above, like a relay. Since each chamber inherits the heat from the previous one, fuel efficiency is very high, and a major feature is that a large quantity of pottery can be fired in a single firing.
Q2. What is the difference between modern gas/electric kilns and wood-fired kilns like Noborigama?
The biggest difference lies in the "uniformity" and "serendipity" of the finished product. Gas and electric kilns allow for precise temperature control, resulting in consistent and stable firing as intended. On the other hand, in wood-fired kilns, the flickering flames and flying ash create accidental beauty not intended by the potter. This unique, low-reproducibility expression is called "keshiki" (scenery) in the world of pottery.
Q3. What is the difference between a Noborigama and an Anagama (single-chamber kiln)?
The fundamental difference is in the internal structure: whether it is "multi-chambered" (multiple rooms) or "single-chambered" (one room).
・Anagama: Since firing occurs in a single long space (single chamber), flames and ash directly affect the pottery, creating dramatic changes depending on its placement (one-of-a-kind pieces).
・Noborigama: Multiple chambers are connected, and since additional firewood can be added from the side of each chamber to adjust the temperature, it is suitable for firing a large quantity of different types of pottery (such as porcelain and stoneware) simultaneously.
Q4. What kind of "keshiki" (scenery) can be seen in works fired in a Noborigama kiln?
Mainly, there are mysterious phenomena created by fire and ash, such as the following:
Natural glaze (ash glaze): When scattered wood ash melts at high temperatures and forms a natural glassy coating on the surface of the pottery.
Hiiro (fire color): A beautiful gradation from red to black created by parts directly exposed to the flame and shadowed parts.
Scorching/carbonization: Deep black patterns that appear when ash or charcoal adheres to the pottery or when it is fired in a low-oxygen environment.
Yohen (kiln variations): A general term for accidental changes resulting from these unexpected movements of fire and ash.