Raku

by Meghan Babauta.

In Western terms, raku is a process in which pieces are rapidly heated to 1800 degrees F, then pulled red-hot from the kiln and placed into a container of combustible material, such as newspaper, wood chips or straw, to create a reduction atmosphere for the glaze and to blacken any unglazed areas with carbon.

Raku in Japan is a family name that was given to a potter, Chojiro, during the late 16th century in honor for his making tea bowls that fit the ideal of the wabi style of tea ceremony proposed by the tea master Sen Rikyu. Chojiro (and his family, which continue today) hand-made the bowls, and removed them hot from the kiln to either quench in water or allow to cool in the open air.