RAKU HISTORY
The firing process is what differentiates rake from other pottery techniques. The firing technique of "Raku" was first developed by the japanese potter Chojiro. He was the founder of the first generation of the Raku Dynasty in the 16th century. Chojiro produced tea bowls for the tea ceremony using the "Raku" firing technique.
Chojiro's tea bowls were brought to the attention of the emperor Hideyoshi. Emperor Hideyoshi was very impressed with the unpretentious and aesthetically pleasing tea bowls. As a result, the emperor bestowed, in memory of Chojiro, a gold seal that bore the emblem symbolizing "Raku" on Chojiro's son Jokei.
The work "Raku" comes from the ideograph engraved on that gold seal. Loosely translated, the word "Raku" can mean Joy, enjoyment, pleasure, comfort, happiness or contentment.
The raku firing technique utilizes a rapid rise in temperature in a fuel fired kiln. The rake items are taken out of the kiln at glaze maturity and placed in an airtight container filled with shredded newspaper, straw, sawdust, seaweed etc. A short time later the pieces are lifted out of the airtight container and either air-cooled or sprayed or dipped in water. This rapid reduction in temperature causes the pieces to develop vivid colors and copper sheen. Fire and smoke create matte black surfaces in unglazed areas. Many variables create the potential for dramatic results. No two items are alike. Finished Raku pieces are quite porous and can only be used for decorative purposes.
