The deep, lustrous metallics, velvety blacks and crackle patterns are typical signs of a pot that has been fired in the Raku style. These effects are achieved by taking the red hot pot out of the kiln and placing it in a fireproof container filled with combustible materials such as dried leaves, saw dust and newspaper. The red hot pot ignites the contents of the container which is covered tightly and left to burn. Once the fire consumes all of the oxygen in the air, it turns to the glazes on the side of the pot. As the oxygen is pulled out of the glazes, the colors change to give us the lustrous metallics and reds often seen with Raku.

The crackle patterns in some of the glazes are created from the thermal shock the pot suffers when it is taken from the kiln (1850° F) to room temperature in a matter of seconds. Some pots do not stand up to the stress and break in the process.

The velvety blacks are produced by the smoke created by the fire. It penetrates the clay wherever there is no glaze and burns in for a permanent effect that will not wash off.

Due to the nature of the glazes used and the crackling effects, Raku pots are NOT for food use and will NOT usually hold water. The pieces are for DECORATIVE USE ONLY. Some pieces have been sealed with a tile and grout sealer, so they can hold water, but they are still not recommended for food or drink.

To view additional raku pieces, click here.

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