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Raku: Ancient Japanese Art

The handmade ceramic pieces of Raku, specially fired and cooled, have roots intraditionalJapanese tea ceremonies of the 1500’s. Introduced to the Western world in the 1920’s and 30’s by an Englishman, it steadily gained Western popularity and became a serious pursuit of American potters in the 1960’s.

While each Raku potter has his or her own style and process, the Raku technique generally uses both fire and smoke to create metallic patterns and designs in the final glaze. Low-fired ceramic slip is first bisque fired, then glazed before going into a special low-temperature Raku kiln of about1800°F.

While still glowing hot, the piece is moved and sealed inside a container of combustible materials, such as leaves and paper, which catch fire. As the fire consumes the oxygen within the closed container, it also draws out the oxygen from the clay and glaze. This “post fire reduction” phase creates the uniquely unpredictable colors and textures of Raku pottery.

The pieces are then submerged in water or placed safely on the ground to cool as the patterns set.

Traditional Raku pottery is shaped simply and functionally.