The Fascinating World of Raku Pottery

Have you ever heard of Raku pottery? If not, you're in for a treat! Raku is a type of pottery that originated in Japan during the 16th century. It's known for its unique and fascinating firing process, as well as its beautiful, one-of-a-kind results. Here's a closer look at the world of Raku pottery and why it's worth checking out:

1. The firing process: One of the most unique things about Raku pottery is the way it's fired. Unlike traditional pottery that's fired in a kiln, Raku pottery is removed from the kiln while it's still red hot. At that time you can either add materials like feathers and horse hair to create a smoked Raku / naked raku or placed in a container of combustible materials. This can include things like sawdust, straw, or newspaper. The pottery is then sealed in the container, causing the combustible materials to ignite and create a reduction environment. This process gives Raku pottery its distinctive crackled and metallic glaze. 

2. The results: Because of the unique firing process, every piece of Raku pottery is completely unique. The crackled glaze and metallic highlights can be quite mesmerizing and make for beautiful decorative pieces.

3. The history: Raku pottery has a rich history, having originated in Japan during the 16th century. It was originally used to make tea bowls for the Japanese tea ceremony, and was considered a way to achieve spiritual enlightenment. Today, Raku pottery is enjoyed by potters and art enthusiasts around the world.

4. The technique: The technique of Raku is not only fascinating but also challenging, as the potter has to work quickly once the pottery is removed from the kiln, as the piece is still very hot. It requires a lot of skill, practice and patience.

5. When throwing or hand building pottery for a Ruku firing you need to make sure that your pottery walls, seams and joins are all given special attention. Since the thermal shock of removing very hot pottery from the Raku kiln can result in cracking or explosions. 
6. Another thing to consider is that there are often specialist clays or equipment needed for creating Raku pottery. 

Overall, the world of Raku pottery is fascinating and offers a unique and beautiful way to create pottery. Whether you're an experienced potter or just starting out, Raku is definitely worth checking out!