.The Art of Raku
| Raku has several meanings “pleasure, happiness etc." and refers to a fast firing process developed by the Chojiro family in Japan during the Momoyama period (1573-1615). Americanized raku was developed by Paul Soldner in the 1960s. This process consists of quick firing a pot in a kiln that can be easily opened. When the glaze on the piece has melted to the point where it has a glossy appearance, the kiln is opened and the pot is removed with tongs. The piece is then smoked in a container of organic material, usually shredded newspaper, leaves or sawdust. The container is sealed for 10-20 minutes, where the metallic glazes are reduced and beautiful colors and patterns result. This pottery is usually quite porous and the glaze is often purposely cracked and/or pitted. Raku pottery is, therefore, semifunctional and used for holding dry-wares and decorative purposes only. |
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These 'Horse Hair' pots are produced by painting 'Terra Sigillata' on the pots before bisque firing, then applying hair and feathers when the pots are removed from the kiln. The temperature must be exactly right to get the proper effect on the pot. |
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The black on the surface of these, and most raku pots, is caused by leaving the area bare and letting the natural smoke and carbon penetrate into the raw clay body. Also, the cracks or 'crazing' in the exterior of the glaze is likewise smoked. |
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Quick and heavy reduction brings about the bright copper penny luster from a glaze rich in copper carbonate. I leave the pots in reduction about 10-15 minutes and then 'quench' them. |
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