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Raku-delightful, but delicate |
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The term Raku refers to a style of pottery or a firing method derived from an ancient Oriental process. Glazed pieces are placed in a kiln that is often referred to as a clam shell kiln because of the way it opens. They are fired at around 1800 degrees for as little as half an hour, much less than is typical.
At the end of this firing, the red hot pots are carefully removed with long tongs and immediately placed into some type of organic material. This material, often placed in a galvanized garbage can, could be paper, saw dust, leaves, straw, or even horse hair. Each is said to produce a distinctive effect on the pottery. The container holding the organic material is immediately lidded, and the reduction, as it is called, is begun.
During the reduction, interesting cracks may develop in the glaze due to the rapid cooling. Practices among potters vary at this point, some choosing to let their pots remain in the garbage pail until completely cooled, while others opt for a quick cool water bath which stops the process and sets the glaze colors.
Most pots will need to be scrubbed a bit when cooled to remove bits of material left on the surface during the reduction process. A newly fired pot will have a smoky smell.....very organic!! Amazing colors, flashes of copper and a host of surprises often await. Horse hair reductions will produce delicate black lines on a white background, if so glazed.
Your pieces fired in the Raku method will be more porous and fragile than other pottery, so you will not typically want to serve food in them or place water in a vase, for example. They are display pieces to be enjoyed for years. Delicate, but delightful! |
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