Raku pottery originated in 16th century Japan and the first pieces were associated with the Zen tea ceremony. American raku differs from traditional raku because of the post-firing reduction techniques utilized to develop crackle lines and metallic luster in the glazes and carbonization of the clay. It still retains the immediacy, uniqueness and uncertainty of the original process.
The hand-formed pots are fired to 1800-1900 degrees F and quickly moved to metal trash cans with wood chips and newspaper in them which the heat of the pots ignites. The cans are covered, starving the fire of oxygen, creating a reduction atmosphere. This creates the glaze lusters and the distinctive black carbonizing of the bare clay and crackle areas. When the pot has the effects desired, it is immersed in water to stop the process.
Each raku piece is original: the shape of the pot, the path of the flame during firing, the choice of combustibles and amount of oxygen during post-firing reduction all combine to create one-of-a-kind pieces.
Closing the Kiln
