What is Raku?

Raku is a historic Japanese method for firing clay. Its contemporary American manifestation includes firing pots quickly to 1800 Degrees F, then removing them and placing them in a container of combustible "stuff" such as dampened straw, newspaper or other material. This temperature change shocks the pots and affects the chemical reactions of the glazes. Unpredictable things happen on their surfaces. Lusters and crackling and splendid colors develop.