Raku Ceramic Firing

What follows is the approach that i have developed that works for the type of raku ware i produce.

Raku ceramic firing. Raku firing really is one of the most natural techniques that you can encounter in pottery. This article will discuss western style raku developed by paul soldner in the 1960s. Mine is made of k 23 s. Be aware though that the clay used determines much of the character of the finished piece.

Raku ceramics are loaded into a cold kiln and the kiln is heated rapidly. I prefer a soft brick kiln to fiber. 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. The next step is to fire in a raku kiln f 1800 and leave for around 30 minutes before placing in the reduction chamber.

A process in which work is removed from the kiln at bright red heat and subjected to post firing reduction or smoking by being placed in containers of combustible materials which blackens raw clay and causes crazing in the glaze surface. The first step of bisque firing hardens the clay and needs a level of at least clone 08. Raku pottery requires a specific ceramic firing process using the elemental forces of fire and smoke to create unique patterns and designs. Generally raku refers to the low firing process inspired by traditional japanese techniques.

As a general rule earthenware clays should be avoided if you like dark bold crackle effects. Raku is an exciting ceramics firing technique because you are so involved in the firing process. This video features maria albornoz and carol stirton broad aac faculty using our raku kiln. Raku firing clay selection a wide variety of clays can be used to make raku pottery.

The first step in the raku kiln firing process is to set up the kiln. The earth is used to make the pot then it s put into a reduction chamber kiln then plunged into water. True japanese raku refers to pottery made by a specific family in japan for pottery that is specifically made for the japanese tea ceremony. There are many ways of making and firing a raku kiln.

Then the glaze is applied and virtually any low temperature glaze is appropriate for raku. You ve got glowing hot pots smoke flame and nearly immediate results compared to a typical 10 hour kiln firing cycle a beautiful example of a raku pot amber aguirre the results are also very unique from other firing processes.