Definition of Raku
Raku ware is made of clay, high in sand content, that can withstand rapid temperature changes. Once a pot is formed and dried, it is bisque fired at a low temperature and allowed to cool. Then it is glazed and dried again before the raku firing. During raku firing the pot is placed in a kiln and rapidly heated until the glaze melts. Then using tongs, the potter removes the pot, still glowing hot, from the kiln and allows it to cool quickly in the air, causing the glaze to shrink from the pot and to crackle.
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1500 F
Currently the word "raku" is being carelessly applied by many potters to refer to primitive pit firing, sawdust firing, and other smoking methods. Technically, however, those techniques do not replicate the true raku process. Click here to see a sample of the author's smoke fired pottery.