Raku Series

"Raku ware was originally made in Japan for the tea ceremony, but western innovations and technology have changed its look and increased its use.

The kiln is propane fired to about 1750 degrees to 1800 degrees F. At that point the door is opened and each pot is placed inside with long wrought iron tongs. The firing continues until the glaze melts (1750 degrees). The red hot pots are removed and quickly covered with sawdust. The burning sawdust results in a black body, smoked crackle and metallic lusters. The kiln is immediately restated and fired again. As the next firing progresses, the pots are carefully removed from the sawdust, quenched in cold water, then scrubbed with steel wool to remove excess carbon from the surface.

Breakage in Raku is very high because of the tremendous thermal shock that each piece undergoes during firing, removal and quenching.

These pieces are safe for eating and drinking, although cleaning in a dishwasher is not recommended. If a piece is used as a vase, care should be taken not to place it on fine wood furniture, as a watermark will develop at the foot.”