Obvara
Obvara firing is an ancient traditional Russian and Eastern European technique dating back some 500 years. The pots are first heated to a temperature of around 1650 degrees F. They are removed from the kiln and plunged immediately into a vat of “mash”, fermented flour, sugar and water, for just a few seconds during which time the “mash” boils and bubbles. The pots are removed and held in the open air for, again, just a few seconds as the “mash” carbonizes, sealing the pot. At this point the air is filled with the smell of burnt toast. The length of time of each of these first two steps helps determine the colors. Next they are plunged into a second vat of cold water which stops the carbonization and cools the pots. Once removed from the water the pots are allowed to dry and they are finished.
As one Belarussian put it, “ Obvara ceramics takes us back to our ancient times, bringing back into our homes the ancient secrets of health and longevity, the inextricable link between man and ancestral tradition, manual creativity and the strength of our land.” (From "Obvara, An Eastern European Firing Technique - The History, Preservation and Contemporary Development" by Janice Chassier)
As one Belarussian put it, “ Obvara ceramics takes us back to our ancient times, bringing back into our homes the ancient secrets of health and longevity, the inextricable link between man and ancestral tradition, manual creativity and the strength of our land.” (From "Obvara, An Eastern European Firing Technique - The History, Preservation and Contemporary Development" by Janice Chassier)