Saggar Firing Process

The term saggar traditionally refers to a ceramic container in which a pot is placed to create a reduction chamber during the firing process. 

For my saggar fired pieces I use aluminum foil as the container to enclose the firing fumes that create the surface decoration on the pot. A mix of sugar, seaweed, copper wire, tree leaves, fern fronds, and iron chloride is placed on the pot surface that is then carefully wrapped in aluminum foil. 

The pot is placed in an outdoor propane kiln and fired to a temperature of approximately 1220 degrees, releasing fumes and smoke that adhere to the surface of the ceramic form. After cooling the vessel is washed and polished with a clear wax to protect the uniquely different surface decoration.