Anagama (wood-fired kiln)in Mashiko
We had the opportunity to visit ceramic artist Takashi Sato in Mashiko and document the firing of his pottery in a traditional anagama kiln, a wood-fired Japanese kiln.
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The firing continues around the clock for three days and three nights. This time, a British female ceramic artist who moved to Mashiko about six years ago also came to help.
Firewood has to be added to the kiln every 30 minutes to keep the temperature from dropping. It is demanding physical work, requiring constant attention day and night.
During the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, many kilns in Mashiko were damaged or destroyed. Some ceramic artists later switched to gas kilns, so traditional wood-fired kiln firings have become increasingly rare.
Because these firings take place only occasionally, it is not easy to plan a visit around one. However, if you are staying in Mashiko for an extended period, please feel free to contact us.If the timing is right, you may have the rare opportunity to witness an anagama kiln firing in person.
Profile
Takashi Sato
lib company representative
Born in Nagano Prefecture in 1976. Lived in Tokyo and Ibaraki Prefecture until graduating from junior high school.
First came into contact with the pottery wheel during a class in high school.
After studying at a university in the U.S. for a year, he trained for three months in Karatsu, and began working in Ibaraki.
At the age of 25, he studied under Tsuneo Narui, a potter in Mashiko, and has been working in Mashiko ever since.
His works are sold on Starnet and other sites.