What is Raku Pottery?
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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.
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New: Discuss this ArticlePosted by: anon2425
Although I agree with Mr.Reply#1 that some informations are incorrect in the text (traditionally earthenware was used; Raku refers to the name of a family of Japanese potters from 16th Kyoto who created the style, the distinctive characteristics being low-temperature and interrupted firing; obviously at that time they did not have access to propane kilns, their firing was fueled with wood; Raku doesn't necessarily imply "smoking", i.e. putting the ware in a reducting combustion atmosphere, as some potters simply left it to cool or..) that indeed it was quenched in water - and still is by some potter, one in Hagi that I know of.
Raku doesn't automatically relates to reducting combustion, just low-firing and interrupted firing. One must keep in mind that Raku was first the name of a family of potters, as mentioned, no a technique. Their own style became a style of its own, but it doesn't define a precise technique. Besides, there is no "correct" way to do Raku ;-) Posted by: rakurakuart
Some of your information about firing Raku is incorrect. First, any claybody can be used in the raku process. I use a regular hobby low-fired ceramic slip.
You don't need to pull the piece from the can after 15 minutes. This is dangerous because the can could flair up when the oxygen hits it. I leave the piece in the can for an hour and pull it from the can while it is cool.
Putting a hot piece of raku in water will never be a good thing. The colors will set as the piece cools in the can and water will only crack the piece and moisture if left in the piece will ruin the colors. There are way too many people doing raku the wrong way and not getting very good results.
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