A lovely fact about Raku is that its name literally translates as 'happiness in the accident'.

Raku firing is one of the most natural and ancient techniques that you can encounter in pottery. In Raku firing all of nature's elements are used, earth, fire, air and water. The earth is used to make the pot, then it's put into a reduction chamber kiln, then plunged into water. The cold water halts the firing process.

This highlights the fact that due to the process of Raku the specific finish’s that result are impossible to fully recreate. Beautiful crackled surfaces, and metallic flashes are some of the many possibilities.

In Raku firing, pottery is removed from the kiln while at bright red heat and placed it into containers with combustible materials. Once the materials ignite, the containers are closed. This produces an intense reduction atmosphere which effects the colors in glazes and clay bodies.

Raku is porous, for decorative use only, not food safe, not water tight, may have abrasive surface texture, not dishwasher or oven safe. Care should be taken as washing the surface may result in removing the specialized finish unique to Raku.