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The term raku is derived from the Chinese character meaning "enjoyment" or "ease". Rakuyaki or Raku is a form of Japanese pottery characterized by low firing temperatures (resulting in a fairly porous clay body), glazes and removal of pieces from the kiln while still glowing hot. In the traditional Japanese firing process, the pot is removed from the hot kiln and put directly into water or allowed to cool in the open air. The use of a reduction chamber at the end of the raku firing was introduced by American potter Paul Soldner in the 1960s. Typically, pieces removed from the hot kiln are placed in masses of combustible material (e.g. straw, sawdust or newspaper) in order to provide a reducing atmosphere for the glaze, and to stain the exposed clay surface with carbon. This last step in the process is unique to the Western form of raku. (Information source: encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com) |
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