What is Pit Firing?

Pit firing is one of the most universal, primitive findings executed today. Firings of this type were an adaptation to firing the ware in bon fires. At some point it was discovered that digging a pit in the ground and firing the clay pieces in a pit led to higher temperatures, resulting in harder, more enduring fired clay.

When a piece has reached either the leatherhard or dry stage, it is brushed with terra sigilatta, a fine clay slip. After the bisque firing, which chemically removes the water present in the clay, the pieces are carefully arranged in a pit or metal drum. Combustibles and metal oxides are placed near the clay pieces for additional flashing.

Wood scraps are then piled on top of the pieces and ignited. After firing for 24 hours, the pit is cooled and the finished piece is cleaned and waxed with special waxes to enhance the patina.

The soft beautiful marking on a pit fired piece are the unique fingerprint left by the fire.

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