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- Black pottery is a very old art, dating back a few thousand years BC, when pottery was fired in an underground pit. The technique was forgotten over the centuries, but potters in Latgale have revived it by researching archeological notes, experimenting and using their own knowledge and experience. Today black pottery is popular in country homes, urban apartments, art exhibits and restaurants.
Nowadays there are special woodburning kilns for making black pottery. The kiln is fired for 12 hours, gradually increasing the heat to 2000⁰F. Live flames lick the pottery pieces until they are red hot. At this point the kiln is sealed shut, and as oxygen burns out, the pottery turns from reddish to black. The kiln is opened up 2 days later and the cooled pottery is burnished with natural beeswax and oil, making it waterproof and smooth and pleasant to the touch.
- Black ceramic, 7”x12” (18 x 30 cm)
- Skulte, Latvia
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