FAVORITE FIRING TECHNIQUES-COMING SOON!!!
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| RAKU! |
What is Raku?
Raku pottery originated in the 16th century, in Kyoto, Japan. A man named Rikyu designed a style of pottery for a Zen Buddhist tea ceremony called “cha
no yu.” His apprentice, Jokei, carried on this tradition and “Raku” has been part of their family name to this day. It is still debated today if pottery
produced by someone other than a member or the Raku family can be called “raku”
In the middle of the 20th century, some Americans started to produce so called “raku” ware in America. American potters soon added their own
processes, such as Paul Soldner who is credited for creating the post-fire reduction.
Today, American raku looks very different from the ancient Japanese style. Among the most prevalent being its many colored copper luster, forced
crackling, smoked clay and horse hair raku techniques to name a few.
Clayful Nature Raku
The process that I use to create my raku art, involves bisque firing stoneware clay to 1888(F). The glaze is either a gloss or matte glaze with different
metal oxides to produce its colors. It is fired in a special raku kiln to about 1850 (F) It is then taken while the glaze is molten and placed in a metal trash
can filled with combustible material(wood, leaves, saw-dust, straw or paper) depending on the desired affect. A lid is put on the “smoke can” and it
creates a reduction (reduced oxygen) atmosphere. This produces the beautiful flashings of copper, blues, reds and other colors. Where the clay is bare
the reduction atmosphere leaves the clay a handsome black.
Care and use:
• Due to the firing process, raku is not food safe and is non-vitrified (porous) and should not be used for eating, drinking or storing liquids.
• Generally, raku is used for decoration. Though it can be used to store things like change, pencils, and paperclips. Some raku vessels make
wonderful candle holders. If you decide put real plants or flowers inside, please use a plastic bowl or liner, as it will likely not hold water even if glazed
• Raku is very fragile. Handle it gently and it will thank you.
• Don’t store your raku in direct sunlight. Overtime the suns UV rays can sometimes re-oxidize it and change its colors; though some view this
occurrence as part of its charm and mystique.
• Wash with mild soap and water. No harsh cleaners. Never brass/silver polish
• When purchasing or just admiring raku art remember: some cracks in the pottery are common due to the firing and add to its character. Crackling
of the glaze is an affect potters create and is common to many raku pieces.
• Remember, every piece of raku is one of a kind will never be duplicated. Understand its uniqueness, character and style and it will reward you with
its beauty for years to come.
Raku pottery originated in the 16th century, in Kyoto, Japan. A man named Rikyu designed a style of pottery for a Zen Buddhist tea ceremony called “cha
no yu.” His apprentice, Jokei, carried on this tradition and “Raku” has been part of their family name to this day. It is still debated today if pottery
produced by someone other than a member or the Raku family can be called “raku”
In the middle of the 20th century, some Americans started to produce so called “raku” ware in America. American potters soon added their own
processes, such as Paul Soldner who is credited for creating the post-fire reduction.
Today, American raku looks very different from the ancient Japanese style. Among the most prevalent being its many colored copper luster, forced
crackling, smoked clay and horse hair raku techniques to name a few.
Clayful Nature Raku
The process that I use to create my raku art, involves bisque firing stoneware clay to 1888(F). The glaze is either a gloss or matte glaze with different
metal oxides to produce its colors. It is fired in a special raku kiln to about 1850 (F) It is then taken while the glaze is molten and placed in a metal trash
can filled with combustible material(wood, leaves, saw-dust, straw or paper) depending on the desired affect. A lid is put on the “smoke can” and it
creates a reduction (reduced oxygen) atmosphere. This produces the beautiful flashings of copper, blues, reds and other colors. Where the clay is bare
the reduction atmosphere leaves the clay a handsome black.
Care and use:
• Due to the firing process, raku is not food safe and is non-vitrified (porous) and should not be used for eating, drinking or storing liquids.
• Generally, raku is used for decoration. Though it can be used to store things like change, pencils, and paperclips. Some raku vessels make
wonderful candle holders. If you decide put real plants or flowers inside, please use a plastic bowl or liner, as it will likely not hold water even if glazed
• Raku is very fragile. Handle it gently and it will thank you.
• Don’t store your raku in direct sunlight. Overtime the suns UV rays can sometimes re-oxidize it and change its colors; though some view this
occurrence as part of its charm and mystique.
• Wash with mild soap and water. No harsh cleaners. Never brass/silver polish
• When purchasing or just admiring raku art remember: some cracks in the pottery are common due to the firing and add to its character. Crackling
of the glaze is an affect potters create and is common to many raku pieces.
• Remember, every piece of raku is one of a kind will never be duplicated. Understand its uniqueness, character and style and it will reward you with
its beauty for years to come.
