Chihiro Series Wood-Fired Charcoal Bare Cup

Wood-fired is a traditional Chinese pottery technique that has been passed down for thousands of years. This method uses wood as fuel, allowing the natural interplay of earth, fire, and wood to transform clay into unique ceramic pieces. A hallmark of this technique is the unpredictable and unrepeatable patterns created by natural ash glaze and flame marks. At high temperatures, wood ash melts and reacts with the iron content in the clay, forming a warm and varied glaze surface. The flames leave flowing textures in shades of reddish-brown or silver-gray, embodying the saying, "one color enters the kiln, myriad colors emerge."​ Traditional wood-fired ceramics are categorized into two main types: glazed and natural ash glaze. The former is exemplified by Song dynasty Jian ware and Tenmoku ceramics, while the latter includes pieces like the leaf-patterned bowls from the Jizhou kiln, where overlapping ash and glaze create Zen-inspired patterns reminiscent of Bodhi leaves. The firing process typically spans 3 to 5 days, reaching temperatures above 1300°C. Artisans work in shifts, continuously feeding the kiln with various woods such as pine and longan, and adjusting airflow to influence the kiln's effects.​ Modern wood firing emphasizes a return to simplicity, often eliminating protective saggars to allow direct flame contact with the clay body, resulting in a rugged and unrefined texture. With a success rate of only 30% to 40%, each piece is unique, showcasing the harmonious blend of natural forces and human craftsmanship.