Editorial photo #9814956 Human Interest

The Raku Technique

This is an old Japanese technique of making for the Japanese Tea Ceremony. The host and the guests alike would design and from the dishes and cups for their Enjoyment Ceremony. This ritual was part of their social contact and a way of communication among themselves. The same feelings are experienced today when in contact with Raku ware. The forms are uninhibited and natural, while still being robust and simple without appendages so that they are resistant to thermal shock. They fired on an open fire not exceeding 1000?C. The ceramics are taken out of the kiln at this temperature, and this is how the cracking is created. Due to this fact, Raku ceramics are not for water use. The clay remains porous and receptive to the magical absorption of smoke after it has been adorned with crystallized glass colored with metallic acids. The presence of silver nitrate make the random, uncontrolled striations that are characteristic of Raku. Even though Raku was used as a form of expression it also has the ability to be used to satisfy modern demands and applications, as microsculptures , drown wall hanglings and big flat items. (Photo by Nikolas Kokovlis/NurPhoto)