JP: 登り窯/のぼりがま
A style of kiln for firing ceramic products. The kiln is chambered and built on a slope. Products are put in each chamber, and a fire is lit in the bottom chamber. A large amount of wood is burnt during the 60 hours that the fire is kept burning. Firing with wood results in an uneven temperature and the ash that is in the air of the kiln can fall onto the products and become part of the design. The unplanned irregularities that result create products that are valued for their uniqueness. However, nowadays most makers prefer to use gas. Gas-powered kilns of course do not give off any ash or smoke in the air, and can therefore be expected to produce an even and more predictable finish.
