Britto Arts Trust

           

In the end of 16th century Raku Ware or Raku Yaki derived from the place call Kyoto in Japan. Raku is a type of low-temperatures ceramic ware that is traditionally andprimarily used in the Japanese Tea Ceremony, mostly in the form of tea bowls. The family that is first invented this special ware, in the end known as “Raku Family”.Sasaki Chojiro (1516-1592) is the first generation of this family who made a kind of bowl for a tea ceremony that was completely different than the very popular and traditional Chinese colorful bowl.

The kanji character for the term Raku initially means “enjoyment” or “ease”. The whole process is so simple and handy that one can easily produce it at home or within a very small setup.  It has a spontaneous result that makes artist excited. After going through the simple biscuit firing, the main Raku firing or glaze firing can take only moreor less an hour. The random oxidation of its crackle glazing is also typical of this technique. Because of the simplicity of the process and technique, Raku ware has marked an important role in the art filed of the globe as well. Today Raku ware is known world wide. However it was initially referred only to the wares made by the Raku Family.  American ceramist Paul Soldner first introduced Raku in west. Instead of traditional wood fired kiln he also introduced gas-fired American kiln in America in 1960s.Raku kilns are specially made of metal sheet or metal net. Ceramic felt that can cope with more than 1400° C temperature should be fixed inside the kiln. After firing, the workhas to remove from the kiln while the kiln will have a lid. Or the main body of the kiln can be removed from the work while the work will lie in the same position. Kiln temperatures can be raised rapidly.There are several methods in making different clay bodies for Raku ware. Because the temperature changes rapidly during the Raku process, clay bodies used for Raku waremust be able to deal with considerable thermal stress. The black clay that we use for local terracotta is mixed with white ceramic clay and grog dust. Traditional ceramic modeling is normally followed and after drying the clay made piece, goes for biscuit firing. Any glaze that can melt between 800-900° C temperatures is used for Raku firing or glaze firing. Different ceramic colors can be mixed with the glaze.The most exciting part of Raku is the glazed piece that is still glowing hot and can be removed from the hot kiln, or the hot kiln is removed from the fired piece allowed to cool inthe open air. One can make random texture on the piece using rice husk, dry leaves, straw or sow dust.