11.5.14

from the ashes ...

Every few months I meet up with other mad ceramicists for a day of raku-ing. Raku is a method of firing ceramics first practised in Japan. It involves heating freshly glazed pots to around 1000 degrees C.

The pots are transferred from the red-hot kiln to a chamber of saw-dust which ignites because of the heat. 


The box is sealed forcing the flames to extract oxygen from glaze and pots. Once the fire has died down, the finished pots are retrieved. At this stage they look far from impressive.


Yet after some serious scrubbing usually in cold water and wet and windy weather (we know how to have a good time!), they take on their final appearance. Crazing of the glaze is what's wanted, the more the merrier. The smoke has darkened crackles and unglazed areas. Some pots don't survive the ordeal. Those that do, have lost none of their strength and have gained a unique appearance all of their own.

Only one of my pots broke on this occasion - phew. Here are 3 that made it. 



14 comments:

  1. Hi, it is so interesting to hear about how raku works :) Love the hedgehog and piggie

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    1. I like them too. Had also made a bunny which broke unfortunately. I stuck it together and will put it into the garden ;)

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  2. Wow this sounded like a really interesting process. Your finished pots are great. The fish and the pig made me smile. Have a lovely week.
    Ali xx

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    1. Interesting yes, frustrating too which makes me love and hate it in almost equal measure ;)))

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  3. Fab colours, I know Raku is difficult and you can get many breakages, but its well worth it for the finished items.

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  4. They are so beautiful - I just love that gorgeous blue colour! xx

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    1. Thanks Chris. Blue? That wouldn't be the colour of the waistcoat you're working on by any chance ;)

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  5. Ooooh i love those square dishes! It must be fun to have a regular meet up with fellow mad ceramicists :) x

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    1. I like them too :). Thinking of making some small ones for use on the dining table. Trouble is that my mind is always buzzing with all sorts of ideas. Mad really ;))))

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  6. What a lovely way to meet up with other crafters, I love the finished look.

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  7. Thanks Lucy! Yes, it is good to meet up :)

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  8. Replies
    1. Thanks Helen ... Off to check out your bags ;)) x

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  9. I love this effect, such fun to do too. :)
    Jan x

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