Small Anagama Wood-Firing workshop October 2025
KANDORI KILN
Kandori Kiln was built by Izumi-san and 2 other ceramicists about 30 years ago. Mitomi-san joined later on. The original members are very kind to accommodate me and artists from Gasbon, and teach us how to maintain and fire these kilns. Izumi-san and Mitomi-san are very humble masters, they are always down to learn from others and have fun. They built everything from reclaimed wood and materials, Kandori kiln looks very ramshackle but charming. I am always surprised by the unexpected results of my sculptures coming out of wood-fired kilns. The process is a collaboration with earth, water, air, and fire and it’s so magical.
Small Anagama
You will have the opportunity to fire in this big beast. We will guide you through every step of the process. Please bring a few bisqued pieces (cone 10 clays). We have tested bee mix +sand, soldate, and they both worked great. This anagama takes about 90-100 hours to fire, and the kiln temperature goal is about 1250C (2280F), and we will hold 1230-1250C (cone 6-8) for about 50 hours. Please bring non synthetic clothes for your firing shifts, preferably heavy cotton or hemp with long sleeves, and long pants. Ambers from the firewood can make holes in synthetic fabric.
