Can You Make your own raku glaze?
There are lots of commercially produced glazes that are specifically made for raku firing. Like glazes designed for other firing methods, there is a wide range of colors and finishes to suit most tastes. There are also lots of homemade DIY raku glaze recipes available in pottery circles. These are often shared amongst potters on pottery forums.
What is the flashing temperature of the raku glaze?
The flashing will vary with each firing. Both of these were fired to 1875F and given medium post-firing reduction using newspaper after pulling from the kiln. The raku glaze of the month is a greenish blue with copper flashes that will vary from firing to firing.
What is raku pottery?
The Ancient Technique of Raku Pottery and How to Use It. Raku generally refers to a type of low-firing process that was inspired by traditional Japanese raku firing. Western-style raku usually involves removing pottery from the kiln while at bright red heat and placing it into containers with combustible materials.
What does raku mean in ceramics?
Raku is a Japanese style of pottery first made during the 1580s; the practice is characterised by the removal of a clay object from the kiln at the height of the firing and causing it to cool very rapidly. Originally created for the tea ceremony, Raku ware is most commonly found in the form of tea bowls.
How does raku glaze work?
The Raku technique is essentially when glazed ceramics are taken from the kiln while they are still glowing red hot and are then placed in a material that would be able to catch fire, such as sawdust or newspaper. This technique is used to starve the piece of oxygen, which creates a myriad of colors within the glaze.
How can you tell if pottery is raku?
Typical examples of rakuware are hand-sculpted (rather than thrown on a potter's wheel) lightweight porous vessels adorned with lead glazes. Raku chawan tea bowls are molded using the tezukune technique, with the palms of the hand: clay is shaped into a dense, flat circle and built up by compressing between the palms.
How is raku different from a normal firing?
Western-style Raku firing differs from normal firing as it uses a low-fire method that means the ceramic piece is heated very quickly. The unpredictability of the outcome is something that attracts many potters to this method.
Can I use a normal kiln for raku?
Potentially any kiln could be used for Raku, as it's really the post-firing reduction that makes it happen.
What does raku stand for?
Japanese, literally, pleasure; from the use of the character for this word on a seal given to the family of the potter who introduced the style.
Do you need glaze for raku?
At its core, raku is a low-temperature firing method. The fact that we remove the ware from the kiln while the pots are hot and the glaze is molten is irrelevant.
Can raku pottery get wet?
Raku pottery can absolutely get wet, and it's designed to be exposed to water and other liquids. These pieces are so durable because they're made with materials like clay, straw ash, and wood chips, which all help make the final piece as strong as possible.
What is the difference between raku and regular clay?
Normally potters treat clay quite carefully, ramping the temperature of their kiln gradually up and down to avoid explosions. Raku is very different from this in two ways. Firstly, it is a fast-firing process that happens usually in the space of an hour. The clay is heated quickly.
What do you need for raku firing?
1:1212:26How to RAKU pottery! My FAVORITE way to finish pottery - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo there's no oxygen. So it lights everything on fire close the lid creates. This reductionMoreSo there's no oxygen. So it lights everything on fire close the lid creates. This reduction atmosphere.
Is raku firing toxic?
Raku kilns can emit harmful (even dangerous) metal fumes (depending on how pots are decorated) and vapors of chlorine and sulfur (from salts, chlorides, and sulphates).
What temperature do you fire raku?
Raku is a low fire process, that in general terms has a target temperature of around 1823F (995C).
Do you need glaze for raku?
At its core, raku is a low-temperature firing method. The fact that we remove the ware from the kiln while the pots are hot and the glaze is molten is irrelevant.
How do I get crackle in raku?
To achieve a good crackle, which is the hallmark of a great Raku pot, once the firing is complete and you have turned off the fuel and removed the kiln lid, allow the Raku kiln to cool down a little before removing your pots from the kiln.
What are the steps of raku firing?
0:151:47Raku Firing Process - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe day loaded this kiln up doing another one but basically heat the pieces up to what's called coneMoreThe day loaded this kiln up doing another one but basically heat the pieces up to what's called cone 8 or over 1700 degrees Fahrenheit lift the the kiln cage off and people with tongs grab the pieces.
What is the difference between raku and regular clay?
Normally potters treat clay quite carefully, ramping the temperature of their kiln gradually up and down to avoid explosions. Raku is very different from this in two ways. Firstly, it is a fast-firing process that happens usually in the space of an hour. The clay is heated quickly.
Raku Pottery Originated in Japan
The Japanese invented Raku pottery in the 16th century. Chōjirō, a potter from Kyoto, received a commission from Zen tea master Sen Rikyu. The Raku method had one purpose. To promote beauty. Potters like to shape Raku wares with their hands, rather than a wheel. In this way, each Raku piece expresses individuality and beauty.
Traditional Japanese Raku vs Western Raku
Traditional Japanese Raku differs from the Western Raku technique. Japanese Raku tends to use neutral colors like blacks and browns, while Western Raku uses bright metallics.
Raku: Meaning of the Name
Funnily enough, Raku translates to roughly, “Happiness in the accident.” Some believe this name came about from potters who took joy in the process of shaping their Raku wares. Paul Soldner said that The Japanese think of Raku as something pleasurable and a process of enjoyment. The term could also be thought of as comfort.
What Clays Can Do Raku?
You can use any type of bisque fired clay to make Raku pottery, but Clay specially made for Raku will yield the most favorable results. Raku clay means that it can handle the thermal shock. This happens when you remove the pottery from the kiln to cool it fast. The fast cooling can lead to the Raku ware cracking or even exploding in some cases.
What Glaze Should You Choose?
Don’t overlook the glaze you choose because it serves as a layer of protective coating. It can color, decorate your Raku wares. Any low-fire glazes should work. You can also use glazes specially made for Raku.
Better for Decorative Purposes
You have heard how the Japanese use Raku for tea ceremonies, but you should use Raku ware for strictly decorative purposes. Even the Japanese don’t leave the tea for long because of the porous and fragile nature of Raku. The glaze could flake in some areas if overused. Raku wares look stunning, but they weren’t meant for daily use.
How Fast Does Raku Firing Happen?
The Raku firing process will take around an hour and a half. With Raku firing, a huge amount of smoke gets created as you add sawdust to it. While the Raku wares glow molten orange, you won’t see the results until it cools off.
History
Delving further into raku's history, it dates right back to the early 1550s as mentioned specifically for the Zen Buddhist Masters in their ceremonial teaware.
Types of Clay
Any type of clay can be used for a raku firing, although specific raku clay can be bought and this creates the best results. Raku clay has typically high thermal shock resistance and low shrinkage.
Best Glazes
Most importantly, raku is a low fire kiln process, which means that almost any low-fire glazes, whether you have bought them commercially or created them yourself, should work just fine. The temperature of a raku firing reaches around a cone 010 - 06 range.
Food Safety
Despite raku's history and the fact it used to be used in ancient tea ceremonies, it's recommended that you keep your raku pieces purely decorative. This is due largely in part to the fact that it's fired rapidly, meaning, although it's beautiful it can be porous, fragile and sometimes the glaze might flake in places.
Kilns
There is a range of raku kilns on offer that are designed specifically for the raku firing process and experienced potters can also make their own raku kilns in a dustbin. A raku firing is usually done after the piece has been bisque fired first. Then the glaze is applied and it's put through a raku firing.
Results
You'll take your raku ware out of the kiln when it's red hot, so you won't be able to see the result until the piece has cooled. Some of the interesting results you might see are crackled glaze surfaces, black smoked unglazed clay or even beautiful metallic effects.
What is Raku Firing?
Raku firing is an ancient Japanese ceramics technique that has been used for many centuries to create a very unique finish to wares. The Raku technique dates back to the 16th century, traditionally crafted by hand and not thrown on a potter's wheel.
How does Raku firing work?
Raku firing is much quicker than normal firing, taking around 1-2 hours in comparison to regular firing which can take up to 24 hours. The first process is to glaze your ware using a specialist Raku glaze, which can be found at some craft shops and pottery equipment wholesalers.
What kilns are best to use for Raku firing?
There are a number of kilns available that are suited for the raku firing process. What needs to be considered is that the firing cycle of Raku is much faster than a typical firing and you need to make sure that you can get your kiln to a suitable temperature for this method.
What is Raku Pottery Used For? – Is Raku Food Safe or Waterproof?
It is widely recognized that whilst beautiful, raku ware is decorative rather than functional.
What is Raku Pottery – The Nuts and Bolts of How to Make Raku
This short video will give you a brief overview of the raku firing process.
What is Raku Pottery – Different Types of Modern Raku
How the pottery is processed after it is removed from the kiln has a significant effect on its appearance. The raku process is notoriously unpredictable. The way your pottery ultimately looks will vary from one firing to the next.
What is the Best Shape for Raku Pottery
The raku method can be used to fire pottery and sculpture. In theory, you can raku fire any shaped ware. However, raku pottery goes through dramatic temperature changes, and the form is put under considerable stress. Therefore, ware that is evenly made and relatively thin tends to survive the process more successfully.
What is Raku Pottery Fired in? What is The Best Kiln For Raku?
In principle, a raku kiln is any kind of kiln that you use for the raku process. Raku can be done using a gas-fired or electric kiln.
Removing Raku Pottery From the Kiln
Raku firing is very hands-on. It’s not like typical electric firing, where you set the digital display panel and then get on with your life. There are a number of other things to take into consideration. Here are some of the other considerations….
Best Combustible Materials for Raku Firing
Here are some suggestions for combustible material that can be used in raku firing:
History
The history of Raku dates as far back as the 16th century. Traditional Raku pottery is also known to have been used by the Zen Buddhist masters who liked its simple naturalness. Traditionally the pieces are handmade, not thrown .
Western-Style Raku Firing and Oxidation Reduction
The ancient Eastern styles of Raku were developed with new methods by American ceramicist Paul Soldner in the 1960s.
Eastern-Style Raku Firing
Raku ceramics are loaded into a cold kiln, and the kiln is heated rapidly. Sometimes the cycles in which the pieces are fired are very short, as little as 15 to 20 minutes in cases, differing vastly to traditional firing cycles of around 10 hours.
Raku Glazing
It should also be noted that there are not any Raku glazes as such; it is more the process of firing. Any glaze can be used for Raku. It can be dipped, sprayed or splashed on, all adding to the surprise at the end of the firing. Raku firing is vibrant and exciting but should be used predominately for decorative pieces.
History
Types of Clay
- Any type of clay can be used for a raku firing, although specific raku clay can be bought and this creates the best results. Raku clay has typically high thermal shock resistance and low shrinkage. Another important factor in the creation of your raku firing is choosing the right type of glaze, a glaze whose properties react in the best way in a raku firing.
Best Glazes
- Most importantly, raku is a low fire kiln process, which means that almost any low-fire glazes, whether you have bought them commercially or created them yourself, should work just fine. The temperature of a raku firing reaches around a cone 010 - 06 range.
Food Safety
- Despite raku's history and the fact it used to be used in ancient tea ceremonies, it's recommended that you keep your raku pieces purely decorative. This is due largely in part to the fact that it's fired rapidly, meaning, although it's beautiful it can be porous, fragile and sometimes the glazemight flake in places. So while the pieces can look incredible, they're not really to be used as functiona…
Kilns
- There is a range of raku kilns on offer that are designed specifically for the raku firing process and experienced potters can also make their own raku kilns in a dustbin. A raku firing is usually done after the piece has been bisque fired first. Then the glaze is applied and it's put through a raku firing. The firing cycle of raku is usually much faster than a typical firing and if you're plunging yo…
Results
- You'll take your raku ware out of the kiln when it's red hot, so you won't be able to see the result until the piece has cooled. Some of the interesting results you might see are crackled glaze surfaces, black smoked unglazed clay or even beautiful metallic effects. If you like this kind of effect you can also look into saggar firing or obvara firing.