What is Raku ?
Raku pottery is created with a specific ceramic firing process that uses both fire and smoke to create unique patterns and designs. With raku pottery, the piece is first bisque fired. Then, it is glazed and undergoes a raku firing process. The raku firing process requires a special raku kiln that is fueled by propane and reaches temperatures of about 1800°F (about 982°C).
In order to complete the firing process, the raku pottery must remain in the kiln for approximately 30 minutes. The raku pottery is then removed from the kiln using specially designed raku tongs. While the raku pottery piece is still hot and glowing, it is placed inside a metal can full of combustible materials. The heat emitted from the raku pottery causes these materials to catch on fire.
After the materials inside the metal can catch on fire, a lid is placed over the can and the raku pottery is sealed inside. The raku pottery is capable of withstanding these high temperatures and the fire within the can because it is made from a special type of clay that is capable of withstanding thermal shock. Traditional pottery clays, on the other hand, would crack from the drastic temperature changes raku pottery undergoes.
As the fire consumes the oxygen within the can, it also draws the oxygen out of the raku pottery and its glaze. This process is called post fire reduction. It is the post fire reduction stage that creates the unique look of raku pottery. The resulting patterns and colors are unpredictable, as they are created through the natural process of oxygen removal.
After the raku pottery remains in the sealed metal can for about 15 minutes, it is removed and placed in a can of water. This freezes the patterns that were created during the post fire reduction stage. The amount of time a piece should remain in the cooling water largely depends on the piece and its size.
Because the process of creating raku pottery requires working with combustible materials and high heats, it is important to wear gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection at all times while creating a new piece.
Raku
The term raku is derived from the site where clay was dug in Kyoto in the late 16th century and is found in the Kanji character meaning “enjoyment” or “ease.” For 15 generations it has been the title and seal used by a lineage of potters whose work formed the central tradition in Japan. This lineage believes that ‘raku’ refers to the potters who use the technique, not the technique itself.
In the 16th century, the first of these potters, Ch?jir? is said to have come under the patronage of the Japanese tea master Sen-No-Rikyu. According to legend, in 1598, the ruler Hideyoshi, after Chojiro’s death in 1592, bestowed upon his adopted son, Jokei, a golden seal with the written symbol “raku.” Both the name and the ceramic style have been passed down through the family to the present. After the publication of a manual in the 18th century, raku ware was also made by numerous workshops in and around Kyoto: by amateur potter tea practitioners and by professional and amateur potters around Japan.
Raku ware marked an important point in the historical development of Japanese ceramics, as it is the first ware to use a seal mark and the first to focus on close collaboration between potter and patron. Other famous Japanese clay artists of this period include Donyu (1574-1656), Hon’ami K?etsu (1556-1637) and Ogata Kenzan (1663-1743).
Christmas is coming
Fellow artists, now’s a good time to be making your Christmas gifts…..I’m extruding clay and making the cutest drums as rattles. I figure sell sets of 4 (or whatever), so families can give one per household for this year’s memorabelia!
I’ve made about 10 pieces toward my sister’s wedding gifts and have one GREAT one and a bunch of really good ones…..
I’m finally starting up…
I’m using my new website….thanks to my Dad, my sister wants to commission me to make wedding gifts. What excites me is the idea of using a showroom to include her along the way! I can post video of the making of the pieces and chat as we look at it about what she wants to do with it next. I can show her a number of pieces she can choose from. I can show her examples of different finishes. The thing is, she lives on the East Coast. How great is that!
Pitfires…
Does anyone want to say something about the recent pitfires at Stinson Beach and Grass Valley?
