Raku
Raku: A brief explanation​
Raku originated in Japan in the 16th century, where Raku vessels were, and still are used in the traditional tea ceremony. It is a low-fire technique (under 2000 degrees), where bisqued work is quickly heated to a red-hot temperature and then taken out of the kiln and reduced in wood shavings, newspaper, or a similar combustible materials.
The firing is the heart and soul of the Raku technique. No one can predict exactly what the results will look like when finished. Glazes crackle in fascinating patterns and metallic oxides change colors. Different colors appear in different areas of one piece from a single glaze depending upon the amount of oxygen during the firing and in the can during the post firing reduction.
The two links below highlight the chemistry and the history of Raku.
