Sumi von Dassow makes burnished pottery, teaches at a centre for

traditional arts, and runs occasional pit-firing workshops. She

contributes articles for Ceramics Monthly and Pottery Making

Illustrated. The American Ceramic Society have previously published

books by her; Barrel, Pit and Saggar Firing, in 2001, and Electric Kiln Pottery in 2003.

This book covers techniques of firing and finishing at low temperature

without using glazes. Many ancient cultures and contemporary potters

use methods of low firing, adding slips and burnishing pieces to create

a more natural finish. The advantages are that it can be done without a

kiln using old dustbins, pits dug out of the earth, or bonfires,

meaning that providing you have outdoor space, it can be done on a low

budget. This book is a step-by-step practical approach and

beginner's guide, which focuses on how to do low firing and natural

finishes, with many illustrations of beautiful work by contemporary

makers. Chapters include

burnishing, terra sigillata, smoke-firing, pit-firing, saggar firing

and raku techniques.

'A must book not only for beginners but also for the experiences if just for the pictures alone'

'well produced, as usual, with many good photographs of the techniques and of the finished works'

'A very useful reference work if starting out on burnishing &low fired finishes for pots'

This book covers techniques of firing and finishing at low temperature

without using glazes. A step-by-step practical approach and

beginner's guide, which includes

burnishing, terra sigillata, smoke-firing, pit-firing, saggar firing

and raku techniques.