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Decorative Raku Pottery

Raku refers to a type of low firing-process that was inspired by the Japanese Culture. The Western culture however, has altered the process and this firing involves removal of a piece of pottery from a kiln and immediately placing it into a container filled with combustible materials such as newspaper, leaves or sawdust. Once the material ignites, the fire and special raku glaze meld together to create the most magnificent iridescence of colors. These colors are reminiscent of oil on water shimmering in the sunlight. No two pieces can ever be reproduced as the fire licks each piece in its own unique way..

Another unique form of Raku is known as Horse Hair Pottery (often seen out west in the Native American Culture) it is created when strands of coarse horse hair are laid across the hot ware leaving a wandering linear smoke  trail on the surface. The burning material creates smoke patterns and carbon trails on the surface of the heated ware that remains as decoration after the ware cools. I also use peacock feathers to burn into the piece which is beautiful, especially when added onto stained clay.

Raku pottery is strictly for decorative purposes as it is porous. It will not hold water. Raku pottery should not be placed in direct sunlight as the heat, and sunlight can raise the temperature of the glaze and distort the shimmering iridescent colors.

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