Toshiyuki Sakai uses a special combination of glazing and traditional wood firing to create his pieces, the exact method of which is a fiercely guarded family secret. Sakai's father was also a Kasama potter, passing on his talents and techniques to his son, who has adapted the traditional throwing style with his own flair. The special 'anagama' kiln gives Sakai's work a certain rustic flavour which can only be attained through this relatively unpredictable method of firing.