Saggar - The process

Round ceramic vase with black and gray smoke patterns.

A firing technique that involves placing each piece in a protective chamber (saggar) where chemicals and other organic material can interact with the pot to produce random effects.

Group of matte white ceramic bottles.

Made for highly grogged clay to help the clay tolerate rapid temperature changes. Pieces are burnished to promote a smooth surface to trap the coloring and then bisque fired as usual.

Bisque pottery pieces inside a kiln before firing.

Pieces are packed into the Saggar with combustable materials then loaded into the kiln

Glowing hot embers in a fireplace.

The Saggars are slowly fired for 2-3 hours.....

Two uniquely shaped pottery vases with earthy colors.

Finished pieces are carefully waxed to enhance the colors and produce a nice satin sheen that begs for each piece to be held while admiring the intricate details hidden in the organic finish.