Celebrating 10 Years of Sasukenei

The Smokeless Kiln in Cerdeira

August 26-31, 2025

What is a Japanese master ceramist doing in a tiny schist village in the Serra da Lousã? It all started when we learned that Masakazu Kusakabe had developed a smoke-free wood-firing kiln, and we invited him to lead the construction of one in Cerdeira, right in the heart of the mountains. Ten years later, this adventure continues.

This celebration is a heartfelt tribute to everyone who made the kiln possible—friends, neighbors, artists, and the entire Lousã and Aldeias do Xisto community, who either contributed to the fundraising campaign or quite literally helped build Sasukenei, brick by brick.

PROGRAM

August 26–29, Cerdeira will host 14 professional ceramists who will take part in the anniversary firing.

August 30–31, These are the days when we will be most delighted to welcome everyone to celebrate our very special kiln.

August 30, From 16:00, enjoy a guided tour (registration required) of the ceramic exhibition, showcasing pieces fired over the past 10 years in our Sasukenei, created by both national and international artists.

At 17:00, we present Sasukenei – The Smokeless Kiln Around the World, with contributions from across the globe.

August 31, The exhibitions will remain open for visits, and the highlight of the day will be the kiln opening at 14:30, followed by the much-anticipated unloading of the fired works.

At 16:00, we’ll celebrate with birthday cake and special teas, hosted by Chá Camélia and and at 16:30, there will be a talk on Bonsai trees followed by a guided tour of the private collection exhibition Bonsaiteca!

Organization: Cerdeira – Home for Creativity

Promoter: Aldeias do Xisto

Partners: Chá Camélia

Events

At Cerdeira, art and nature are the best reasons to celebrate.

Throughout the four seasons, we bring various events celebrating creativity and conviviality in a unique environment surrounded by nature.

Elementos à Solta - Art meets Nature

A festival to celebrate the encounter of arts and nature.

Elementos à Solta - Art meets Nature is a multidisciplinary festival focused on Contemporary Arts and Crafts. It has been held annually since 2006 with free entrance.

Unique of its kind in Portugal, it has exhibitions, workshops, talks, plays, and music. A place where Portuguese and foreign artists come together and share their art and passion with everyone involved.

FROM MASTERS AND CHEFS

The most delicious encounter between ceramics and haute cuisine.

“Combining regional cuisine with art and creativity”. This is the motto for the event that takes place every year together with the Municipality of Lousã. In an unusual combination, pottery and cuisine sit at the table, and everyone is invited to participate.

Special pieces are born from the hands of master potters and ceramic artists, baked in our smoke-free kiln “Sasukenei”, one of its kind in Portugal. The force of fire in this kiln adds new colors, glazes, and other special effects to the pieces, making each one even more unique. The participants' curiosity and surprises mark the kiln's opening, where everyone can appreciate the new works of art and choose one to take home.

Among pots and pans, renowned chefs are invited to present all visitors with a unique gastronomic experience. The objective is to highlight the region's fresh products and traditional dishes but always add a “personal touch” to their creations, bringing creativity and innovation to the table.

This is the event to get all senses to dance: everyone is invited to work in creative workshops, taste amazing delicacies, and learn from the best.