Oxidation firing - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Oxidation firing, at its heart, is a ceramic firing process where the kiln atmosphere contains an abundance of oxygen. More than just a technical term, it represents a fundamental control over color and texture in ceramic art, a crafting of surfaces through the dance of fire and air. Often perceived simply as the 'default' firing method, this view overlooks the subtle, yet profound, ways oxidation influences the final form.
The earliest intentional control of kiln atmospheres, though not precisely documented as "oxidation firing," can be traced back to ancient pottery traditions around 6000 BCE. Archaeological evidence from sites in Mesopotamia reveals the presence of relatively efficient updraft kilns, suggesting a nascent understanding of airflow and its effects on clay. These early potters, while likely not articulating the process in scientific terms, manipulated oxygen levels probably through fuel type and kiln design. Their creations – utilitarian vessels and early expressions of artistic intent – stand as silent witnesses to the dawn of oxidation firing, an era rife with cultural and technological innovations, when the very foundations of settled life were being forged.
Over millennia, ceramic traditions in Greece, Rome, and later Europe refined oxidation firing, intertwining it with evolving aesthetic ideals. The clarity of color achieved in Renaissance majolica, for example, depended critically on a well-ventilated kiln. Treatises on pottery, such as Cipriano Piccolpasso's “I tre libri dell'arte del vasaio” (circa 1556), detail kiln construction, fuel management, and firing schedules, offering glimpses into the empirical knowledge underpinning oxidation firing. Yet, the 'secrets' of achieving consistently vibrant results remained elusive, often guarded jealously within families of potters. Could the seemingly simple act of introducing oxygen truly hold the key to unlocking a spectrum of chromatic possibilities, or perhaps unearth the deeper alchemical mysteries of transforming earth into enduring art?
Today, while electric kilns offer precise control over oxidation firing, the allure of wood-fired kilns persists, with the unpredictability of the flames injecting a unique character into the ceramic surface. Contemporary artists continue to push the boundaries of oxidation firing, exploring its potential in creating subtle hues and effects, with reinterpretations resonating with environmental awareness in their embrace of locally sourced materials and energy-conscious practices. As we admire the latest creations brought forth by oxidation firing, it is worth pondering if this elemental art will continue to evolve, or if it will simply revert back to its nascent origins, mirroring our own human dependency on the breath of life through air and fire.