Raku pottery is a type of pottery which was originally developed in Japan many years ago.  It has traditionally been used in the Japanese tea ceremony, most commonly for tea bowls.  Let’s discuss some more details of this type of pottery and review some examples.

Raku pottery is typically formed by taking clay and kneading it to remove trapped air bubbles.  It is then hand formed rather than turned on a wheel to produce unique and one of kind pieces.  The resultant pieces are then fired at relatively low temperatures.

The pieces are removed from the kiln while still glowing red hot and allowed to cool naturally in the open air.  The earliest evidence of raku pottery dates back from the early 16th century.

Raku pottery marked an important change in the development of Japanese pottery.  It was the first to use a seal to designate the artist who produced the piece.  And it was typified by a close collaboration between the artist and the patron who sought to purchase the item.

The ultimate results achieved with this type of pottery are largely dependent on the types of materials used as well as the colors and types of glazes.  Improvements in kiln technology have also played a major role in determining the color and style of pieces produced.

Two major types of firing including oxidation reduction and reduction firing 2 have played crucial results in the ultimate results.

One critical aspect which can affect the overall outcome of the piece is whether the kiln is electric versus gas fired.  Electric kilns allow for easy temperature control.  Gas kilns use brick or ceramic fibers during either oxidation or reduction firing.  The gas kilns also heat faster than electric kilns but they are more difficult to control.

Early pieces of raku pottery featured lead glazes but this practice has been largely abandoned in recent years due to health concerns associated with lead.   The glaze firing times for raku pottery is relatively short.  An hour or two is common as opposed to up to 16 hours for high temperature stoneware firings.

Over the years, both Western artisans and traditional Japanese craftsmen have developed truly unique and gorgeous examples of raku pottery.  Some pieces are so unique that they are displayed in museums or galleries.

Some styles, especially in Japan are well known for the areas in which they come from.  The style of craftsmanship and the type of glazes, materials and firing details are passed down through generations.

Therefore many pieces are produced in much the same way as they were hundreds of years earlier.  This makes for a very interesting and unique result.

This type of pottery is not only a traditional favorite among patrons and artists within Japan but has also spread out in popularity and adoption within many other countries.  Artisans from other areas have added their own improvements and enhancements to the design and production of these pieces.

The Internet is a great place to find many fine examples of Raku pottery.  Some of these pieces are for sale from distributors or even art galleries.  Others merely show their pictures as an example of the different types of raku pottery which have been produced or which can still be obtained.

Many of the websites which display these pieces also have detailed descriptions concerning how the product was developed as well as production details.  Many pictures further help to show the beauty of the particular object.

In any case it is very clear to see why raku pottery is such a desirable type of product.  It has a long history steeped in tradition.  But it is equally relevant today as a beautiful example of the pottery craft.  Beautiful shapes, colors and styles can certainly be highlighted in these products.