Raku

Raku is a low-fired decorative pottery that is fired rapidly to a red hot temperature and then removed from the kiln, inserted into an air tight container filled with combustible material (e.g., sawdust, newspaper, or pine needles). This material ignites and is extinguised by sealing the container, thus producing large amounts of smoke. A short time later, the pot is removed from the container and rapidly cooled, occasionally producing cracks, but always resulting in unique and colorful effects. Copper glazes may change with the passage of time, adding to their uniqueness. These pots are not typically intended for use in food preparation or serving and generally are not water tight.