Today, many contemporary ceramic artists compact their saggars with organic materials (straw, sawdust, excelsior) that have been previously pickled in solutions of mineral salts. Using a combustion kiln, the vessels are fired for several hours in the temperature range of 1200-1500 degrees F. A myriad of colors can be achieved by firing both in reduction and oxidation. The mineral salts create a variety of beautiful soft pinks, blues, lite greens, burgundies, and peach tones with localized carbonized spots. The saturated combustibles in the sagger often volatilize into the porous ceramic wall in a recognizable organic pattern.

Before being fired, the wares are prepared with an ancient clay slip receipt from the Roman-Greco era known as Terra Sigillatta “earth seal”. Layers of very fine particle clay are painstakingly applied to the bone-dry clay vessel and then polished by hand, creating a glossy or satin colored finish.

Low-temperature Saggar fired vessels are for decorative use only and should not be considered food safe.