Saggar pottery typically starts with fired but unglazed pots that are coated with certain chemicals, salts, and organic material. These are placed inside another container (the saggar) prior to final firing.
When fired, oxygen is consumed in the saggar and it holds fumes from the burning and melting material close to the pot, creating colors and patterns on the pot’s surface. Once cool, a liquid or paste wax seals the pot to retain the colors.
An Ancient Process
Saggars were historically other unglazed clay vessels, but I use aluminum foil to enclose my pottery. Although saggar pottery will hold water it is not food safe. Rewax your pot occasionally to enhance its color and shine
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