Raku
Raku is a traditional Japanese way of pottery, and all the magic is created in its unique firing process. Pottery pieces are made and bisque fired as normal, then glazed with a special Raku glaze. The firing takes place in an outdoor gas-fired kiln where the pieces are quickly brought to temperature, then left until the glaze matures. Matured pieces are removed from the kiln, still glowing with heat, and placed in a reduction container filled with combustible materials. The red-hot pottery ignites the reduction material and a lid is quickly placed on the container, creating an oxygen-free atmosphere for the glaze to reduce in. The effects created using this technique can be spectacular! Due to the infinite number of variables that occur with the process, the results are completely unpredictable, unique and beautiful, as even pieces fired in the same kiln with the same glaze put in the same reduction chamber will look different. After the pottery is allowed to cool enough for the glaze to harden, the pieces are rapidly cooled using water or, in the winter, snow until they can again be handled. The pieces must then be washed to remove the black remains of the reduction material to bring out the spectacular colors and effects that the process creates. The process is then complete, and your pottery can be taken home that day. However, all Raku pottery is not food safe and should not be used around products meant for consumption.