How to Care For Raku Pottery
To care for Raku pottery, it is important to avoid exposing it to water for extended periods as it can cause cracking or deterioration.
Instead, use Raku pottery for dry arrangements or display it in areas away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading and damage.
When cleaning Raku pottery, use domestic cleaning powder and a scrubbing pad or nail brush to remove carbon residue from glazed areas.
Be cautious not to scrub unglazed parts and avoid using cleaning agents on those areas.
To cool down Raku pottery after firing, you can let it cool in open air for a matte black finish or quench it in water.
For stubborn carbon patches, a propane torch can be used.
When sealing Raku pottery, it is important to minimize contact with water and limit exposure to UV rays.
For ornamental pieces, dust with a soft cloth or feather duster.
Glazed Raku surfaces can be scrubbed, but non-glazed surfaces require more care in the post-reduction firing process.
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Did You Know?
1. Raku pottery was named after the Raku family, who were 16th-century Japanese potters serving as tea masters to Japanese tea ceremonies.
2. The unique crackle effect in Raku pottery is achieved by rapid cooling. Once the pottery piece is removed from the kiln, it is placed in a container filled with combustible materials like sawdust, which ignites and creates a reduction atmosphere, causing the glaze to crack.
3. Raku pottery is renowned for its unpredictability and spontaneity. Unlike traditional ceramics, Raku pieces are often deliberately manipulated during the firing process, resulting in irregular shapes and textures that make each piece truly one-of-a-kind.
4. In ancient Japan, Raku pottery was exclusively produced for the tea ceremony rituals. It was considered so precious that it was often buried alongside tea utensils, as a way to honor and pay respect to the art form.
5. Raku pottery gained significant popularity in the Western world during the 20th century, largely due to the influence of a famous Japanese potter named Shoji Hamada. Hamada traveled to the United States and Europe, teaching workshops and inspiring a new generation of potters to embrace the Raku technique.
Raku Pottery: An Overview
Raku pottery originated in 16th-century Japan and was primarily used in traditional tea ceremonies. It is renowned for its firing process, which involves rapid temperature changes and smoke-induced color variations. One particularly striking type of raku pottery is copper matte raku, known for its vibrant hues and matte texture. This unique pottery form is highly valued by collectors and artists due to its unpredictability and individuality. It is often showcased in galleries, exhibitions, and homes.
Creating Raku Pottery: Techniques And Process
The creation of raku pottery involves a series of steps to ensure its unique finish. The process begins with hand-building or wheel-throwing the clay vessel. Once the vessel is shaped, it goes through a bisque-firing process. After the initial firing, glaze, such as a glaze rich in copper oxide for copper matte raku pottery, is applied to the vessel. The piece is then fired in a kiln. But the firing process does not stop there. The finished pottery is transferred to a reduction chamber filled with combustible materials, which reduces oxygen and influences the colors of the glaze. This reduction creates the signature crackling effect and adds depth to the colors of the glaze.
- Hand-building or wheel-throwing is the first step in the raku pottery process.
- Bisque-firing is important to prepare the clay vessel.
- Applying a glaze, like a copper oxide glaze, adds richness and character to the pottery.
- Firing the vessel in a kiln is crucial to achieve the desired finish.
- The reduction chamber, filled with combustible materials, plays a key role in creating the crackling effect and enhancing the glaze colors.
The reduction process is essential for achieving the unique and distinctive characteristics of raku pottery.
The Unique Beauty Of Raku: Colors And Finishes
Raku pottery is renowned for its unique finish and crackled appearance. It offers a range of finishes, including glazed, partially glazed with carbon-induced black areas, and naked raku. The captivating colors of raku pottery are brought about by the combination of glazes and the reduction process during firing. Notably, copper matte raku pottery is highly regarded for its vibrant and rich hues. The crackling effect adds texture and depth to the pottery’s surface, elevating its aesthetic appeal. Raku pottery can seamlessly integrate into modern interior and exterior design, imparting a touch of sophistication and artistry to any space.
Caring For Raku Pottery: Dos And Don’ts
Caring for raku pottery requires a delicate balance between aesthetic appreciation and preservation. Due to its porous nature, raku ceramics should not be exposed to water for extended periods, as it can cause cracking or deterioration. Instead, raku pieces can be used for dry arrangements, allowing them to showcase their beauty without the risk of damage. It is also important to display raku pottery away from direct sunlight, as exposure to UV radiation can dull the vibrant colors and intricate crackling. Placing raku pieces in areas with indirect or diffused lighting is recommended to preserve their visual appeal.
Cleaning Raku Pottery: Tips And Techniques
There are two occasions when you might want to clean raku pottery: to keep it dust-free and to clean off the carbon residue left from the firing process.
To clean fired glazed raku pottery, you can use a domestic cleaning powder along with a scrubbing pad or nail brush. However, it is important to avoid scrubbing unglazed parts and using cleaning agents on those areas.
For stubborn patches of carbon, a propane torch can be used. Alternatively, some potters cool down their raku pottery by allowing it to cool in open air or by quenching it in water.
After the reduction process, the pottery may be covered in burnt material and excess soot and carbon, which can be cleaned off using household cleaning products or a scrubbing paste made with whiting or feldspar powder mixed with liquid soap.
It is crucial to rinse the pottery thoroughly to avoid any residue or clouding on unglazed areas.
- Use a domestic cleaning powder along with a scrubbing pad or nail brush.
- Avoid scrubbing unglazed parts and using cleaning agents on those areas.
- Use a propane torch for stubborn patches of carbon.
- Allow the pottery to cool in open air or quench it in water.
- Clean burnt material and excess soot and carbon using household cleaning products or a scrubbing paste made with whiting or feldspar powder mixed with liquid soap.
- Rinse the pottery thoroughly to avoid any residue or clouding on unglazed areas.
Sealing And Preserving Raku Pottery
To protect raku pottery from UV rays and other damaging factors, it is recommended to limit its contact with water. Raku pottery should be sealed with a protective sealant designed specifically for ceramics. This will help preserve the integrity and beauty of the pottery over time.
Cleaning ornamental pieces can be done simply by dusting with a soft cloth or using a feather duster. However, if the raku surface is glazed, it can be gently scrubbed to reveal the underlying glaze. Care must be taken when cleaning non-glazed surfaces, as they require more delicate treatment.
It is advised to minimize the use of cleaning products on unglazed parts to prevent any discoloration. A propane torch can be used to remove carbon residue from glazed raku pottery, but it should not be applied to unglazed areas, as it may burn the black carbon surface.
By following these care and cleaning guidelines, you can ensure that your raku pottery maintains its unique beauty for years to come.
- Limit contact with water
- Seal with protective sealant
- Dust with soft cloth or use feather duster
- Gently scrub glazed surfaces
- Minimize use of cleaning products on unglazed parts
- Use propane torch to remove carbon residue from glazed pottery (avoid unglazed areas)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash raku pottery?
Absolutely! Washing raku pottery is completely fine. Our raku ceramics are distinct as we exclusively employ food-safe glazes that do not contain any hazardous metals, including lead. Nonetheless, it is important to exercise caution when cleaning your pieces, especially those adorned with crackles and a porous glaze, as they have a tendency to absorb liquids more readily.
Does raku pottery fade?
Raku pottery, known for its unique glazes, may fade over time due to the oxidation of the metallic glazes. However, there are measures to prevent this from happening. One way to preserve the vibrancy of raku glazes is to apply a solution of Defloculant Sodium Silicate onto the pottery, which can be sprayed and then held at a temperature of 100F for an hour. This technique aids in maintaining the original appearance of the raku pottery, preventing the colors from fading over time.
How do you clean unglazed raku pottery?
When it comes to cleaning unglazed raku pottery, it is important to maintain its unique charm and connection to Zen Buddhism. Rather than using harsh detergents, a gentle approach is recommended. Simply rinsing the pottery with clear water is usually sufficient, as it respects the delicate balance of the artwork and preserves its meditative qualities. Embracing the simplicity of a mild soap solution may also be an option, ensuring that the cleaning process remains mindful and in harmony with the essence of raku ceramics.
Is raku clay waterproof?
Raku clay is not considered waterproof due to the unique firing process it undergoes. Raku pottery is traditionally fired at a low temperature, resulting in a porous clay body that is prone to water damage. This method, while producing distinctive and beautiful effects, leaves the pottery unable to withstand prolonged exposure to water. Thus, raku clay is not recommended for functional or water-containing vessels, but rather for decorative purposes.