The Oldest Firing Method
Pit firing is how all pottery was fired for thousands of years before kilns existed. Dig a hole, place pots inside surrounded by fuel, light the fire, and wait. The simplicity is deceptive — the results are complex, unpredictable, and beautiful. No two pit firings produce the same results because wind, fuel moisture, temperature, and material chemistry all contribute.
Stephen Jepson has done pit firings throughout his career and considers them among the most exciting experiences in pottery. The surrender of control is liberating. You prepare carefully, then let fire and chance do their work.
How Pit Firing Works
Preparing the Pit
Dig a hole about two feet deep and three to four feet in diameter. Line the bottom with four inches of sawdust. If you cannot dig, build an above-ground fire pit from cinder blocks.
Preparing the Pots
Pit firing works best on bisque-fired pots. Bisque firing removes moisture and makes clay strong enough to handle. Burnish the surface before bisque firing for the best smoke absorption.
Adding Colorants
Wrap pots in materials that create color: copper wire produces greens and pinks, salt creates orange and red flashes, banana peels produce dark spots, steel wool creates gray lines, seaweed leaves impressions. The placement directly affects the final surface.
Loading and Firing
Nest pots in sawdust with colorant-wrapped fuel between them. Layer hardwood and kindling on top. Light from the top and let it burn down through the layers. A pit fire burns six to twelve hours. Temperature reaches roughly 1200 to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit — much lower than a kiln.
Cooling and Cleaning
Let the fire die naturally and cool completely — twelve to twenty-four hours. Do not rush. Carefully dig out pots, brush off ash. Some potters apply paste wax to deepen colors.
Safety Considerations
- Location: Fire in an open area away from buildings and trees. Check local burn regulations.
- Wind: Avoid firing on windy days.
- Water: Keep a hose or bucket nearby at all times.
- Supervision: Never leave a pit fire unattended during active burning.
- Gloves: Use heat-resistant gloves when handling pots near fire.
What Makes Pit Firing Special
No two pieces are alike. The combination of smoke, flame, mineral deposits, and organic impressions creates unreproducible surfaces. You can influence results but cannot control them completely. This beautiful unpredictability is the point. Pit firing teaches you to collaborate with fire rather than command it.
Learn from Stephen Jepson
Stephen's pottery video lessons cover burnishing, surface preparation, and firing techniques that apply to pit firing. One-time purchase, lifetime access.