What is Raku?

The raku firing process involves heating the pottery to a high temperature in a kiln.  The fun part is removing it while it is still glowing hot (about 800 degrees) and placing it in a container of combustible material, such as sawdust, straw, or newspaper. The pottery is then left to cool rapidly in the container, which causes the glaze to crackle and create a unique, mottled pattern.

Raku pottery is often associated with the Japanese tea ceremony and is prized for its simple, rustic appearance. It is typically made with a porous clay body that allows the pottery to absorb the smoke and ash from the combustible material, which contributes to its distinctive appearance.

Raku pottery is made by hand, using traditional techniques that have been passed down for generations. It is often used to create small, decorative items, such as bowls, vases, and teapots, but can also be used to make larger pieces, such as sculptural forms and wall hangings.

What does raku mean?

The word “raku” is derived from the Japanese term “raku-yaki,” which means “enjoyment” or “ease.” It is thought to refer to the relaxed, informal atmosphere of the Japanese tea ceremony, in which raku pottery is often used.

In the context of ceramics, “raku” is used to describe a specific type of pottery that is made using the raku firing process, which involves rapid cooling of the pottery after it has been heated in a kiln. The term is used to describe the pottery itself, as well as the process of making it.

How to raku fire at home?

If you are interested in trying raku pottery firing at home, there are a few important things to consider:

Safety: Raku firing involves working with extremely high temperatures and combustible materials, so it is important to take proper safety precautions. Wear protective gear, such as gloves, goggles, and a face mask, and make sure you have a fire extinguisher on hand.

Kiln: You will need a kiln to heat the pottery to the proper temperature. If you don’t have a kiln, you can try using a gas grill or propane burner to heat the pottery.

Pottery: Raku pottery is typically made with a porous clay body that allows the pottery to absorb the smoke and ash from the combustible material. You can try using a raku clay body or a white earthenware clay body.

Glaze: Raku glazes are typically made with a high percentage of metallic oxides, which give the glaze its distinctive color. You can purchase pre-made raku glazes, or try making your own using a recipe.

Firing process: Once you have your pottery, kiln, and glaze ready, you can start the firing process. Heat the pottery in the kiln to a temperature of around 1800°F (982°C), then remove it while it is still glowing hot. Place the pottery in a container of combustible material, such as sawdust or straw, and cover it with a lid. Let the pottery cool in the container until it is cool to the touch, then remove it and brush off any excess ash.

Remember to follow all safety guidelines and use caution when working with high temperatures and combustibles. If you are not comfortable with the process, it is best to seek guidance from a professional or take a class on raku firing.

How to build a raku kiln?

Building a raku kiln from scratch requires a significant amount of knowledge, skills, and resources, and is best suited for those with experience in ceramics and working with high temperatures. If you are interested in building your own raku kiln, here are some general steps you can follow:

Gather materials: You will need refractory materials, such as ceramic fiber blanket, firebricks, and kaowool, as well as a heating element, such as a propane burner or electric heating element. You will also need tools, such as a saw, hammer, and drill, to cut and assemble the materials.

Design the kiln: Before you start building, it is important to plan out the design of your kiln. Consider the size and shape of the pottery you will be firing, as well as the type of heating element you will be using. You may want to consult with a ceramics professional or reference online resources to get ideas for your design.

Cut and assemble the refractory materials: Using the materials and tools you have gathered, cut the refractory materials to the appropriate size and shape. Assemble the materials to form the walls, floor, and ceiling of the kiln, making sure to leave an opening for the heating element.
Install the heating element: Install the heating element according to the manufacturer’s instructions, making sure it is properly secured and wired.

Test the kiln: Before you start firing pottery, it is important to test the kiln to make sure it is functioning properly. Heat the kiln to a high temperature and let it cool down several times to ensure that it is reaching the desired temperature and cooling down properly.

Remember to follow all safety guidelines and use caution when working with high temperatures and combustibles. If you are not comfortable with the process, it is best to seek guidance from a professional or take a class on raku firing.

What is the best clay for Raku pottery?

Raku clay is specifically formulated for use in raku pottery, and is typically considered the best clay for this purpose. It is a porous clay that is designed to absorb the smoke and ash from the combustible material used in the raku firing process, which contributes to the distinctive appearance of raku pottery.

Raku clay is typically made with a mix of kaolin, feldspar, and silica, and is often fired at a lower temperature than other types of clay. It is known for its light color and porous texture, and is often used to create small, decorative items, such as bowls, vases, and teapots.

Grogged stoneware clay is well suitable for raku firing.  Grog helps make the pottery more resistant to thermal shock and reduces shrinkage.  There are specially made raku clay’s that often contain kyanite.  Porcelain can be raku fired if it contains a suitable grog, is well made, and is fired under 1200F.

Other clays that may be suitable for raku firing include white earthenware clay and porcelain clay. It is important to choose a clay that is compatible with the raku firing process and will produce the desired results.

Where to Buy Raku Clay?

UK Suppliers

Valentines Clay
Bath Potters Supplies Raku Clay
Pottery Crafts Ltd
Clayman Supplies
Hot Clay

USA Suppliers

The Ceramic Shop
Mid South Ceramics
Clay Planet
Tuckers Pottery Supplies

Raku Potters

There are many famous potters who have worked with raku pottery over the years. Some notable examples include:

Bernard Leach: Bernard Leach was a British potter who is considered one of the pioneers of raku pottery in the Western world. He studied raku pottery in Japan and introduced the technique to the United Kingdom in the 1920s.

Paul Soldner: Paul Soldner was an American potter who is credited with popularizing raku pottery in the United States. He was a student of Bernard Leach and is known for his innovative approach to raku firing and glaze development.

David Leach: David Leach was a British potter and the son of Bernard Leach. He is known for his contributions to the development of raku pottery in the United Kingdom and the United States.

John Glick: John Glick was an American potter who is known for his innovative approach to raku pottery and glaze development. He was a student of Paul Soldner and is considered one of the pioneers of contemporary raku pottery in the United States.

Akio Takamori: Akio Takamori was a Japanese-American potter who is known for his large-scale raku pottery sculptures. His work is highly prized for its technical skill and artistic expression.