In the heart of Cerdeira – Home for Creativity, the Sasukenei rises as a symbol of art, connection, and harmony with nature.

Designed by Masakazu Kusakabe, the smoke-free kiln was built in 2015 with the support of the Aldeias do Xisto network and the team of ceramicists at the Cerdeira Arts & Crafts School. The idea of equipping the project with a kiln of this kind came from Portuguese ceramicist Ricardo Lopes.

It is the only kiln of its kind in Portugal and plays a vital role in the country’s contemporary ceramic production.

This ancestral technique has proven to be essential to modern ceramics. The kiln, which can reach temperatures of 1300 °C, features several chambers that allow for fine control of heat and airflow, producing unique glazes and firing effects. It allows for firings in just 36 hours, achieving results that would normally take six or more days in traditional wood-fired kilns.

This system supports experimentation — a key part of the learning process. It allows for testing clay bodies and glazes at different temperatures, understanding their strength, or identifying their melting point.

But the Sasukenei is more than a kiln. It is a silent teacher that instills patience, dedication, and the joy of creating by hand. The word sasukenei comes from the Miharu dialect in Japan and can be translated as “simple” or “don’t worry” — a philosophy of work that is calm, generous, and deeply lived here.

This smoke-free kiln has strengthened the mission of the Cerdeira Arts & Crafts School, becoming a meeting place for artists from around the world — a space for sharing, for long firings, and for celebrating knowledge, the earth, and friendship.

At certain times of the year, it is possible to witness or take part in the firing sessions, and experience the beauty of the pieces born from fire, clay, and time.