I finally took the time to visit Furuno-sensei's noborigama (climbing kiln) in action. Here are a few pictures... Middle of the night. Feeding from the side (the front is up to its desired temperature, now working the heat towards the rear) - and I take sleepy pictures... When I got there: end of third day firing, front of the kiln is at 1160 degrees, and expected to rise 40 more before it is sealed. Feeding from the front: a few seconds at the time, or you turn your hand into an instant torch. The door. Steel backed with Asbestos. Hot anyway. Notice the red-hot wares (pots, bowls, dishes and vases and jars). When inserting new pieces of wood, the fire seeks oxygen, and thus comes out by every whole. This low-in-oxygen fire doesn't burn as would be expected: a piece of wood pushed against these flames doesn't burn... And when the front has reached its 1200 degrees, it is sealed, and the kama is fed by the side. The Fire within. From the back... Noborigama, in Sennan, Southern Osaka, one hour from my home. March 22nd-23rd, 2006