Ancient Anagama Kiln, Seto, Japan

I was able to photograph this ancient anagama kiln when we visited Seto in 1978. It was protected as being a Cultural Treasure and reputed to be from the fifteenth century. It had originally been dug out of the clay bank and the first firing would have vitrified the clay and thus formed the kiln. Less expensive but probably more physical work than using fire brick.