Raku refers to a type of low-firing process that was inspired by traditional Japanese raku firing. Western-style raku usually involves removing pottery from the kiln while at bright red heat and placing it into containers with combustible materials. Once the materials ignite, the containers are closed. This produces an intense reduction atmosphere which affects the colors in glazes and clay bodies. The drastic thermal shock also produces cracking—known as crackling since it is deliberate.

During the Raku firing process the smoke from these  materials all contribute to changing the colors and patterns of the Raku pottery. 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 unpredictability of the process is essentially the result of the removal of oxygen in the reduction chamber.

Glazing work for raku can be done by all the methods known—dipping, pouring, brushing, spraying, splashing, dripping, sponging—you name it. Glazes also can be used alone or in combination.

History
Raku is a Japanese word that can be translated as enjoyment, happiness, or comfort. In 1580, the potter Chijiro is thought to be the first to produce this form of ware. He developed a low-fire pottery process in which he placed ware directly into a red-hot kiln, then once the glazes had melted, removing the ware from the still red-hot kiln and allowing the pottery to cool outside the kiln.

This direct process was well received, especially by enthusiasts of the tea ceremony. In 1598 a gold seal was presented to Chijiro (or possibly his son) by the ruler Hideyoshi. This seal was engraved with the ideograph for ​raku. Raku thus became Chijiro's family title. The Raku family continues making their pottery in Chijiro's tradition; the current master is Raku Kichizaemon XV.

My work is on permanent display at the Artisans’ Co-op in the town of Bodega, CA.
17175 Bodega Highway, Bodega, CA, USA (707) 876-9830

“I make my Raku Pottery on the potters wheel, the rest I hand build with white stoneware clay.” The raku firing along with post fire reduction gives the glazes iridescent metallic effects and gives the white clay amazing crackle patterns. It also blackens the clay where there is no glaze. This unique process of firing gives each piece its individual characteristics so no two pieces are alike making each piece of Raku Pottery a unique piece of art.