What is Raku Firing?

Raku firing is a dynamic and unpredictable pottery technique that originated in 16th-century Japan, emphasizing spontaneity and the natural beauty of imperfection. The process begins with bisque-fired ceramic pieces coated in a glaze and loaded into a kiln. The kiln is then rapidly heated to temperatures between 1,650°F and 1,850°F.

Once the pieces reach their peak temperature, they are removed from the kiln while still glowing red-hot using special tongs. The pottery is then placed into a container filled with combustible materials like sawdust, leaves, or paper. The intense heat ignites the materials, creating a reduction environment that alters the glazes and clay surface, resulting in dramatic textures, crackles, and smoky patterns.

Afterward, the pieces are quickly cooled, often by being plunged into water or left to air-cool, locking in their unique characteristics. This process combines fire, earth, and air, making every Raku piece one of a kind and a testament to the harmony between control and unpredictability.