Smoke Fired Pottery
by Tom Murray
 Cone 6 Stoneware |
Smoke firing is an primative means for hardening and decorating clay. This pottery has been coated with very fine clay which buffs to a glossy surface and then it has been fired gently to preserve the smoothness. These pieces are decorative, they may be washed but will not hold water and are not designed to be used with food. |
 |
The Process: After being thrown on the wheel and dried, coats of terra sigillata are applied and polished. Sometimes colour is added to the terra sigillata. A bisque firing makes the vessel permanent without destroying the terra sigillata's satin finish. A second firing is done outdoors in the smoldering embers of wood chips, sawdust, straw and the occasional leaf frond. This second firing gives the pieces their dark appearance as the clay takes up the smoke. Places exposed to a flame or protected by a leaf are more likely to display the prefiring colour. Terra sigillata is a decorating medium used on ancient Middle Eastern and Mediterranean ceramics from the Neolithic Period (7000-3000B.C.) |
 Cone 6 Stoneware |
Caring for smoke fired pottery: Dust with a damp cloth. The surface may be waxed and buffed to restore the original shine, and protect the surface. |
 Cone 6 Stoneware |
 |
      |
     |