THE UNCERTAIN DESTINY OF WOOD-FIRED KILNS

Kilns are the key in determining the quality of ceramic products, with wood-fired and gas kilns being the most prevalent in Vietnam. These two types of kilns are widely used in pottery production, while electric kilns are typically reserved for precision technical components in ceramics. Now let’s find out the features of those kilns!

1. Wood-Fired Kilns:

Wood-fired kilns represent one of the oldest methods in ceramic firing. These kilns utilize wood as the primary fuel source, a practice that has been used for centuries. Typically, firing a single batch in a wood kiln requires around 2.5 tons of firewood. The process takes approximately 5-7 days, followed by a cooling period of 2-3 days, making the entire kiln period last about 10 days. In some cases, this process can extend up to two weeks.

Wood-fired kilns operate at high temperatures, often exceeding 1300 degrees so it’s known as high firing. While these kilns are capable of firing larger items, they come with significant costs. One major drawback is the relatively low yield of finished products. On average, only about 70% of the original batch emerges as usable ceramics, with some batches yielding as little as 50%. Additionally, the burning of wood generates kiln dust, which contributes to air pollution, making this method less environmentally friendly.

2. Gas Kilns:

In recent years, many ceramic producers in Vietnam have transitioned to gas kilns. These kilns use gas as the primary fuel source and offer several advantages over traditional wood-fired kilns. One of the main benefits of gas kilns is their mechanical temperature control, which allows for precise adjustments during the firing process. This ensures that the finished products have a stable and uniform color, a feature that is highly desirable in modern ceramic production.

Gas kilns are also more environmentally friendly than their wood-fired counterparts. Since they produce no dust, they contribute less to air pollution. However, transitioning from wood to gas kilns requires a substantial initial investment, as gas kilns are significantly more expensive. Additionally, gas kilns are generally unsuitable for firing large-sized pots. They are best suited for items that are around 50cm or smaller. For ceramic producers who prefer to create larger pots, a gas kiln might not be the best choice.

Pottery, especially wood-fired pottery, is facing the risk of being lost because today’s young generation is not very interested in this job. Although gas kilns have many advantages, pottery in general is still a profession that requires a lot of dedication and passion. Aurora take preserving the pottery profession as our mission. We are honored to have contributed to bringing Vietnamese pottery to the world. Hopefully in the future, the youth generation will continue preserving this beauty of Vietnamese culture.