Raku

Raku objects are created differently. They are made of special clay that can withstand thermal shock. The pot is first fired in an electric kiln to 1000c, then fired again in a gas kiln to about 1000c again. At top temperature, when the pot is red-hot, it is taken out with metal tongs and placed in a metal bin full of combustible material (saw dust, mainly). It smolders there for a while until it is taken out and either plunger in water or sprayed. The white raku clay I use turns black after this treatment. The raku glazes are something else as well, many will develop incredible metallic flashes. I highly enjoy these firings and hope to bring more raku pots to the shop soon.