Raku is derived from an ancient
Japanese method of firing. The pots are removed from the kiln when red hot and
placed in a bed of peat moss, leaves, grasses or newspaper. The unique pattern of
colours and metallic finish comes from the interplay of flames, smoke and rapid cooling.
Due to the low-fire method, Raku is strictly decorative. No two pieces are
ever alike.
Each one of these potters use the same type of firing
techniques, but their individual styles are vastly different and each piece is
certainly one of a kind.
Soda firing is an atmospheric
technique, where soda is introduced into the kiln when it is still firing. The
soda can be sodium bicarbonate (yes the baking kind) or sodium carbonate also
known as soda ash. The ash vaporizes and the vapors actually create a glaze that
lands on the pottery and so you never know what the piece will look like until
it is removed from the kiln.
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