The Khmer Antique Kiln

Digging of the firebox:

Land was drained to avoid flooding, but this plan includes the construction of a roof, we can’t afford it. So we begin digging the firebox, with last rains of monsoon sometime the firebox look like a swimming pool but it works! All works are making by hand, no crane.

Digging of stoking area:

Kiln begin 1 meter under floor level to avoid as possible construction of a mound, earth of excavation is used to make this mound. We manage rain water as well, all go in rain sewer…but sewer is cracked and water enters…in the firebox. We stop works few days because lasts rains are heavy…

Construction of firebox wall:

If the firebox was dig in clay soil we don’t need to do it; but here soil is essentially sand and it collapse. We put a layer of stoneware clay…We think about those who help us in the (not finished) kiln conception; we miss them if they can be here to see the realization…

Construction of steps:

Also due to our land constituted by sand, we make steps with bricks and cover it with stoneware clay. Dimension and slope are the same as Thnarl Mrech kiln and directly based on ground plan that Chhay Rachna gives us.

Rachna make excavation of the original kiln, he share his experience with us. Excavation was refill after recording works; so the site is not accessible and was never analyzed by a kiln designer or a potter.

Two first pillars were elevated at the same place as they was finding during excavation. Small pillars were also elevated in front of the firebox. Traces of those pillars were interpreted as small stands to put pots; but there is not any reason to have small stands like that in front of the firebox. However small pillars will separate the flame and accelerate gases; prevent ash projection and sustain the roof.

Eric, Radu and Corinne give us a hand to begin the wall construction. Clay for the first layer is prepared by footing 30% of pure clay (stoneware clay that we dig in Bantey Srey) and 70% sand very rich in kaolin dig in our land.

Regarding the roof span, and after analyze of excavation picture, we decide to add two pillars.

The firebox is under ground level, the drying is difficult. Earth still wet from dry season, so we decide to give a little help about drying. The clay that we use for walls construction is extremely rich in silica to avoid cracks as possible.

Few views of the day ... 03 November 2007.

04 November 2007.

08 November 2007.

The firing will use 60 cubic meters of wood. We are always searching to fund the ancient kiln firing,

Your donations to buy the 60 cubic meters of wood necessary  are welcome.

09 November 2007.

EVERYBODY helps!

Including volunteers.

10 November 2007.

Internal refractory layer is achieved (for walls).

12 November 2007.

Arrival of rice husk

Rice husk for insulation

Beginning of insulation layer (20cm)

14 November 2007.

Does the kiln support this rain?

......nearly at all!

19 November 2007.