Book excerpt: Discover the traditions, techniques and technology behind the age-old Japanese art of wood-fired ceramics. Shrouded in mystery for centuries, especially in the Western world, the artistry behind Japanese-style wood-firing comes into the light in "Japanese Wood-Fired Ceramics." Authors Masakazu Kusakabe and Marc Lancet share everything you need to know to begin or improve as a wood-fire artist or connoisseur in this comprehensive reference to firing effects and techniques, surface development and kiln building. Features include: Step-by-step instructions to build two proven wood-fire kilns: the Dancing Fire Wood Kiln and the Sasukenei Smokeless Kiln, The first comprehensive English-language guide to yohen, the Japanese classification of wood-firing effects, colors and surfaces, Tried-and-true recipes for a variety of wood-fire glazes, A comprehensive guide through all six stages of the wood-firing process, Japanese insights into rarely discussed techniques and practices of wood-fired ceramics, More than 700 illustrations and full-color photographs. Book jacket.