Japan Office

Photo by Vivien Sieber

There is a major Japan-related project taking place in the University of Oxford at the moment. A traditional Japanese anagama kiln has been built in Wytham Woods, an area of ancient woodland just outside Oxford which is owned by the University and used for environmental research. Potters from Bizen in Japan, under the patronage of Isezaki Jun who is designated as a Living National Treasure, have built the 11-metre long kiln using wood that has been sustainably sourced from Wytham Woods. The team from Bizen plan to bake pots alongside some of the UK’s leading potters. The process will be studied by anthropologists and scientists from the University who are interested in subjects as varied as the cultural traditions of Japan, the geochemistry of the clays used, and the flame dynamics inside the kiln.

Anagama kilns were widely used in Japan until the 17th century when they largely fell into disuse except in the province of Bizen in Okayama prefecture. Fires are built up in the kilns over five days when the temperatures inside reach 1150 degrees Celsius. The famous Bizen-yaki pots are still made in these special kilns.

For the latest news on this exciting project please check the Oxford Anagama website: www.oxfordanagama.org We are also planning another major event related to this project in Oxford in October. Watch this space for details.