Black firing, also known as reduction firing, is a traditional pottery technique that dates back thousands of years and is still practiced in various indigenous cultures today. Unlike modern kilns that use oxygen-rich environments, black firing involves firing ceramics in a low-oxygen (reductive) atmosphere, often by burying pots in sawdust, manure, or firewood. The result? Striking black and grey tones created naturally by smoke and carbon.
One of the most iconic examples of this method is seen in the black-on-black pottery of the Pueblo peoples in New Mexico, particularly perfected by artist Maria Martinez in the early 20th century. Her pieces, with matte-black motifs over glossy black surfaces, revitalized interest in indigenous pottery worldwide. What sets black firing apart is that the color and texture are not added after the fact—they emerge through mastery of heat, fuel, and timing.
Today, contemporary ceramicists are reviving black firing not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its deep connection to ancestral techniques and sustainability. As the craft world leans toward natural materials and low-impact methods, black firing offers a meaningful path. For potters seeking to fuse tradition with innovation, it’s a process that continues to inspire—and challenge—with every smoky masterpiece.
