Raku is a process of firing that involves rapid heating and dropping of temperatures in a very short period of time. A high sand content clay works best for it's tolerance of the drastic temperature changes. After bisque firing the piece, a Raku glaze is applied, dried, then fired quickly. Once the kiln reaches extremely high temperatures in less than an hour, tongs are used to delicately lift the pieces out of the kiln, while red hot, and placed into a metal bin with shredded newspaper, sawdust, or other flamable materials. These materials flame up around the pieces while a lid is applied for a chemical reaction of the glaze. After several minutes, the lid is removed and the piece is douced with water to cool it quickly, furthering the chemical reaction that produces gorgeous, dramatic, metallic and smokey results. The results are unpredictable which adds to the uniqueness and beauty of the Raku artwork.
Dates back to Native Americans. Pottery is heated to 1800 degrees. Then dipped in a solution of yeast, sugar, water, and flour that has been brewing for 3 days. The solution on the scorching hot pottery bakes on the clay surface, causing a finished natural look of browns and blacks that are reminiscent of woods and wild animals. The piece is immediately cooled in a bath of water. The results are always breathtaking.