5 kinds of Yixing Teapot Kilns

There are 5 kinds of kilns in yixing teapots.
1. Dragon Kilns

2. Downdraft Kilns

3. Tunnel Kilns

4. Push Plate Kilns

5. Electric Kilns

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1.The dragon kiln (龙窑), a serpentine brick tunnel snaking up hillsides at 8-20° angles, stands as a testament to China’s ceramic legacy. Ranging 30–70 meters long, these architectural marvels feature “scale-eye vents” every 1.3 meters for feeding fuel. Archaeological evidence reveals their use since the Tang Dynasty, with the 600-year-old Qianshu Dragon Kiln remaining operational today—one of only two surviving Ming-era dragon kilns nationwide.
2.The downdraft kiln (倒焰窑) marked industrialization’s first wave. This batch-processing furnace forced flames downward after hitting sealed ceilings, creating even heat distribution—ideal for delicate zisha clay. Its adjustable temperatures allowed customized firings, but came at costs:

24-hour coal/oil burning caused heavy pollution

20%+ heat loss through chimney emissions

Brutal labor conditions during 1,300°C manual loading/unloading

Phased out by the 1980s, these kilns bridged ancient craftsmanship and modern manufacturing.
3. Tunnel Kilns: Assembly Lines of Fire

Yixing’s 1965 tunnel kiln debut revolutionized production. This continuous 80-meter furnace enabled:
✔️ 20-hour firing cycles (vs. 7 days for dragon kilns)
✔️ 30% fuel savings
✔️ Automated conveyor systems
4. Push Plate Kilns: Precision Engineering

Modern push plate kilns (推板窑) refined the concept. Using natural gas and hydraulic systems, their 30-meter chambers separate heating/cooling zones. Key advantages:

Reduced cracking via pre-drying with residual heat

8-12 hour firing cycles

Minimal warping through stable temperature gradients
5. Electric Kilns: The Digital Alchemist

Sealed electric furnaces represent the tech frontier:
✅ Zero emissions
✅ Precision digital controls (±2°C)
✅ Compact size for boutique studios

However, their oxygen-free environment inhibits natural clay coloration, producing brighter but less nuanced finishes. Artists debate whether their clinical perfection lacks the “soul” of flame-kissed pieces.

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