TEA STORAGE JAR (smoke fired)

Wheel-thrown ceramic "ginger jar" for storage of dried goods, such as tea or coffee.    Food safe but due to the lower temperature firing technique, not water-proof. 

Smoke Firing (aka Sawdust Firing) is a variation on one of the oldest firing techniques.  Nestling pots in a bed of sawdust, the sawdust is lit at the top and then allowed to smolder for 12 - 24 hours, giving post a rich, black and sometimes grey and white surface without the use of any glaze.   An added layer of terrasigiliata, a solution of only the finest clay particles, is added and polished before firing to add a natural gloss shene.