Wood Firing

Twice each year, we here at Peavine Pottery participate in a wood firing of pottery. These pots are much different in color, feel, and texture in some cases than our normal gas fired pots.

Even though they may be the same shape, size, or use as the gas fired, they are impacted by the use of wood to gain color and texture. This means that they rarely are identical in appearance as the standard fare of pottery. Each piece will have its own distinctive character.

The kiln, loading, glazes (if any), and firing is much different. This is the way ancient pottery was made/fired.

The kiln is a combination anagama and nobrigama. It measures approximately 250 cubic feet. The front portion with its large fire box is the anagama portion and holds the majority of pots. Each pot has to be wadded with a combination of clay and sawdust mixture placed on the foot of each pot to elevate it from the shelf; this allows flame to pass under the pot and keeps it from sticking to the shelf. Pots that are in the front rank nearest the fire box can be glazed or left unglazed, allowing the fire to have its way with the clay and decorating the pots with its own unique character. Pots to the rear of this area are usually glazed. The fire is allowed to pass completely through the kiln, imparting colors to each of the glazes.

Approximately half way back on this chamber is a side stoke hole that allows the potters to add wood. This heats the back front portion of the kiln to the same temperature as the front.

The nobrigama portion of the kiln is smaller and also has side stoke holes. Feeding the fire here usually begins after the front or anagama portion is fired to cone 10 (approximately 2,376°F) and stoking is complete on the front.

This part of the kiln is also where salt is added to the firing, producing salt crystals in the glazes and the typical "orange peel" effect on the pots. This portion of the kiln is also fired to at least cone 10. Salt is added just prior to stopping the firing of the kiln.

All in all it takes about 5 days to load, 3.5 days to fire, 4 days to cool, and 8 hours to unload this particular kiln. It usually takes about 4 cords of wood to conduct a firing.

Wood firings are usually the last week in March and the last week in October of each year.

This type of pottery is available during our two annual sales at Peavine Pottery, the first weekends of May and December.