The Raku process dates back to 16th Century Japan where Raku vessels served as essential utensils in the Tea Ceremonies. The name Raku originated from a Japanese word meaning ‘enjoyment’ and while the technique has evolved over time, the joy experienced during the process remained.

Raku is done outdoors. Pre-bisqued pieces are placed in a gas kiln and heated rapidly up to 1850*F at which point they begin glowing and seem glossy with a molten glaze. The vessels are then immediately removed from the kiln using long handled tongs and allowed to cool in the open air or in water. In the sixties, a potter called Paul Soldner was firing Raku, when his pot accidentally tipped over and set ablaze the dry leaves and shrub it came into contact with. The result made history, and became the Raku process we know and use today where molten hot pieces are placed into metal containers containing combustible materials (newspaper, straw, hay, sawdust) which instantly ignite.

Because of the varying direction of the flames and the variables of the combustible materials, no two pieces will ever look alike. Originally, the Raku process was thought to embody the Zen spirit, by embracing the unexpected and it is this element of surprise that remains the only predictable aspects of a Raku firing. Well…surprise and pure exhilarating joy as you experience first hand, in the most immediate way the transformation of earth by way of fire and water.

*Raku ware is not food safe, therefore it is recommended to be used on sculptural or decorative pieces only.

AlterWork Studios offers Raku, barrel and pit firings in Port Washington, NY, just 30 minutes away from our Long Island City location.