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Raku days for members
Raku refers to a type of low-firing process that was inspired by traditional Japanese raku firing. Western-style raku involves removing pottery from the kiln while at bright red heat and placing it into containers with combustible materials. Once the materials ignite, the containers are closed. This produces an intense reduction atmosphere which affects the colors in glazes and clay bodies.
Raku firing allows makers the opportunity to create some unique finishes through a low firing process of around 800-1,000C. The drastic thermal shock also produces cracking—known as crackling since it is deliberate. The original Japanese style of raku pottery is an outgrowth from Buddhist influences in life, especially in the tea ceremony.
In raku firing, the aim is to get the pottery and glaze to a temperature where the glaze has melted. The results of Raku firings are quite unpredictable, it is the ideal chance to experiment a bit.
RPG has three Raku days for members annually to learn about this unique technique. See some of the sensational types of firing and pieces below.
Glazed Raku
Naked Raku
In naked raku the bisqued piece is not glazed. It is fired in the raku kiln and then organic material like horse hair, feathers, pet hair, flowers, sugar, or honey are applied to create smoked markings.
Crackle
Crackle glazes give a unique effect which is white crackle with black coming through. The black crackle can be highlighted by adding Indian Ink post-firing.
Saggar Firing
Saggar firing refers to placing wares like pottery inside protective containers called saggars during kiln firing. Saggars shield pieces from direct flame or heat. Combustible materials are added inside the saggars to generate special surface effects. Members have added oxides, copper wire, banana, sugar, seaweed and more to give unique colours to their surfaces.
Saggars act like mini-kilns, creating small controlled environments with their own atmosphere. As the saggar contents burn, gases alter the clay and glaze inside. Saggar firing adds mystery and serendipity to a pottery piece.
Obvara firing
Obvara involves putting the Raku piece into the Raku kiln and then dipping into a yeast-based mixture to create a unique decorative process. Hailing from Eastern Europe this process is growing in interest.
What is Raku Firing?
Commune - Museum of Brisbane
In 2023 the Museum of Brisbane invited Brisbane potters to submit memory vessels. Eight of RPG’s creative members submitted these unique pieces.
