Raku

The method of Raku firing differs from other firing methods because the pots are removed from the kiln at their highest temperature.

Thermal shock of this swift cooling is taxing on the pottery. The penetrability of the clay body acts like a shock absorber, inhibiting the body from instantly fracturing when the pot is removed from the kiln.

Raku glazes are often cracked, which are referred to as Crazing. These crackle glazes are improved by the post-firing smoking of Raku pots that inserts carbon into the cracks of the glaze.

Raku is often associated with Zen Buddhism, and the Japanese Tea Ceremony.  It was developed in Japan in the 16th century.

The word Raku means "joy" or "happiness". 

Pots are heated to 1800° F, the kiln is unsealed and each heated and glazed pot is removed with a pair of tongs.

The enormously hot pots are placed into 
 “cooling chambers” filled with paper that, when the pots come into contact with the paper, produces thick black smoke. The carbon is sucked into the porous clay body, blackening the clay and highlighting the crackle pattern of the glaze.

When the pots have cooled, they are removed from the cooling chamber and sprayed with water.

The soot-covered pots are brushed clean to expose the unusual patterns created by this firing procedure.

Works Cited:

- http://robertcomptonpottery.com/Method%20of%20Raku-Firing-Pottery.htm

Post author Jordan Lynch