Pit-Firing "Flame-Painted Pottery"

Pit-firing is a primitive way of firing clay.  This process was used by many different ancient peoples and has resumed in popularity due to its natural beauty and unique process.  It is actually done as it sounds, in an outdoor pit in the ground.

This process uses "no glazes";  the colors come from the fire, and what I put into the fire.  The pots are buried under several layers of wood, sawdust, straw, dog food, and other combustibles.  The fire is ignited and burns for several hours.  Temperatures in the pit may reach 2000 degrees Fahrenheit.

When the fire burns down to red hot embers, the pit is covered and left to cool.  The pots are removed from the ash and soot, finally scrubbed and polished.  This is when you really appreciate the individuality of each flame-painted piece of art.

Pit-fired pieces are not intended to hold food or liquid.  Most often they are used decoratively.

Click here to see a photo diary of a workshop.