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Rakuyaki (樂焼) or Raku (樂) is a form of
pottery characterized by low firing temperatures (resulting in a fairly
porous
clay body),
lead
glazes, and the removal of pieces from the
kiln while still glowing hot. The form was created in
Japan, and is the traditional pottery form for creating bowls for the
Japanese tea ceremony.
Typically pieces removed from the hot kiln are placed in masses of
combustible material (e.g.,
straw,
sawdust, or
newspaper) in order to provide a
reducing atmosphere for the glaze, and to color the exposed clay surface
with
carbon. Often glazes which craze (present a cracked appearance) are
used, and the crazing lines take on a dark color from the carbon as well.
This last step in the process is unique to the American form of Raku. In
the traditional Japanese process, the pot is removed from the hot kiln and
put directly into water or allowed to cool in the open air. The use of a
reduction chamber was a American innovation pioneered by american potter
Paul Soldner in the 1960s.
The name for this type of firing is taken from the Japanese family that
traditionally produces the ware. The name Raku was bestowed on 16th century
Japanese potter Chojiro by the great Japanese tea master
Sen-No-Rikyu after he began making tea bowls to the tea master's
specifications. The name as well as the ceramic style has been passed down
through the family to the present.
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