Raku describes a type of pottery preferred by Japanese tea Masters.

The process began about 500 years ago in Japan and today became popular in the Unites States  and Europe. However Raku  firing  bears   little   resemblance    to    the    original  Japanese raku method.       

In this process bisque - ware  is      brushed   with   glasses containing metal-oxides    (picture 1)  and it's placed in a  pre-heated  kiln  and  fired  up to 950° C.(picture 2).         

The glowing-red pots are removed and  placed in combustibles such as paper or  sawdust or  another  (picture 3). 

The piece is sealed by borrel,  creating    an  oxigen-free atmosphere   which   sparks  a    chemical  reation called   " reduction".

 Carbon monoxide glazes materials,  causing the    metallic effects which appear on the pottery surface  (picture 4).   

Areas of exposed clay become     smoked       during           this     process.

The piece are then quenched in a barrel of water.

The spontaneous effects of Raku are affected by           firing time, reduction tyme, etc.   

This also means that by overlaying glazes you get    some      surprising  and  exciting  results.  

Each person finds the way that suits them best.