How to Build an Anagama Kiln
An Anagama kiln is a Japanese pottery kiln that utilizes wood ash to glaze pottery. The kiln consists of a long chamber for firing, and several ports for adding wood. There is a firebox on one end and a tall flue on the other, which often spits flames, giving this kiln its nickname "Dragon Kiln." Firing time lasts a few days or several weeks, making it a group firing experience. Building an Anagama kiln can be a tedious process, but the results are worth it. Read on to learn how to build an Anagama kiln.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Fire brick
- Iron flue damper
- Iron port doors for the stoking holes
- Oven grade metal grating
Instructions
-
-
1
Build your Anagama kiln in steps, beginning at the back near the flue, which we will call step one, and finishing in the front at the main stoking port, which we will call step five. The finished kiln should be near 172 inches long and 90 inches at its widest point.
-
2
Make the first step the highest step to create a draft through the kiln. Experiment with the height of the flue to increase or decrease draft. Be sure to include an active damper at an accessible point and protect the pots at the back of the kiln with a bag wall.
-
-
3
Organize the second, third and fourth steps so that the second step is 25 inches tall inside, the third step 40 inches and the fourth step 50 inches. This will increase the pull of draft inside the kiln, helping to evenly coat the pots with ash.
-
4
Design the second, third and fourth steps so that four 18 by 12 inch shelves fit side by side in the second step, three in the third and two in the fourth.
-
5
Place four stoke holes in the second and third steps. There should be two on either side, or two in each step. Be sure to place the stoke holes strategically so that the small pieces of wood do not fall directly on the stacked pots.
-
6
Plan the main stoking port of your Anagama kiln carefully, as it may be the most important step. The stoking port should be the deepest and widest step and should include a grate halfway between the floors of the fourth and fifth step.
-
7
Reinforce the final step with a bag wall that cannot be knocked over by an overzealous stoker. Some people choose to build one bag wall that crosses the width of the kiln, while others choose to build three bag walls situated side by side. The last method may be best, as it allows heat and ash to enter, but stops large pieces of wood, however this method will occupy more room in your kiln.
-
1
