Raku

Source: Soul Ceramics Raku Firing and Madstone Raku

-Where does Raku originate from?

In ancient Japan, it was used for tea ceremonies, but modern Raku is slightly different from how it was practiced in the 16th century.

-What IS Raku? What is the basic process of a Raku firing?

Raku is a Japanese pottery firing technique that dates back to the 16th century. Raku involves removing glazed ceramics from the kiln while they are still red-hot and then placing them into a material such as sawdust, wood chips, or newspaper that can catch fire and starve the piece of oxygen. This reaction creates unique colors and patterns across the piece.

-What is the danger to your clay during a Raku firing?

Existing weaknesses in the clay could be exposed to the rapid temperature fluctuation and the removal process. This can lead to cracking and/or shattering of your piece.

-What is the danger to the people firing a Raku kiln?

You could easily get burned if you are not wearing the proper safety equipment when directing Raku firings. You could inhale toxic fumes/smoke, and there is also a possibility of explosions.

What do you notice about each piece?

Raku Bottle:

-It is a fairly tall piece

-It has a coiled look to it

-It is shiny

-There are blue, green, yellow, and purple hues in it

Raku Vase:

-It is more matte

-The colors are almost marbled/tidied 

-It has black lines interrupting the colors

Raku Fossil Bowl:

-It is asymmetrical

-It looks almost like an oxidized penny

-The inside is textured

-It has a funky twisted rim

What do you wonder about each piece?

Raku Bottle:

-Was this piece thrown or coiled?

-What type of glaze they used to achieve those colors?

-What did they use to get it shiny?

Raku Vase:

-How did they get the lines so crisp?

-Did they dip it in multiple different glazes?

-Did it come out matte?

Raku Fossil Bowl:

-How was the piece formed?

-Did they layer the glazes?

-How did they get it to be thinner at the top and around the walls without it breaking?