This kiln was built and used at Summertown from the late 1970's until its demolition. It is loosely referred to as an 'Anagama.' It is said that the first 'anagama' in Japan came via Korea in the 5th C. Japan has many historic kiln sites and many of the original 'anagama' were literally little more than enlarged 'rabbit burrows' excavated into sloping mounds, or hills. Over time they became more sophisticated, and now, in many different forms, can be found all over the potting world. They were (and mostly are) wood-fired, but this one at Summertown was fired with both gas and wood.