Raku
A Western adaptation of a traditional Japanese firing technique. The ceramics are fired at high temperatures, then removed from the kiln and placed into an open-air container filled with combustible materials.
Noborigama
A traditional Japanese wooden kiln featuring two or more chambers. The firing process can last up to four days, reaching temperatures as high as 1400°C.
Black
This is a traditional type of wooden kiln, especially popular in the rural region of Latgale. The firing process typically lasts around 12 hours, reaching temperatures between 1000 and 1200°C.
At a certain point, the kiln is hermetically sealed, cutting off the fire’s access to oxygen. This triggers a process known as reduction—an alchemical transformation during which red clay turns black (and sometimes even silver), resulting in pottery that is less brittle than conventional ceramics.
After another 12 hours, the kiln is opened—and the outcome is always a surprise.
Electric
An electric kiln, used with various types of glazes to achieve different surface effects.