A Trial by Fire

Raku ceramic pieces are different than any other type of ceramic art. To achieve their great beauty, each piece goes through a great amount of stress called thermal shock. During the firing process the vessel is pulled from a hot kiln at an incredible 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. They are then subjected to the outside air temperature for a few seconds until they are placed in an airtight reduction chamber that is lined with leaves, paper, and other combustible materials. Once inside the reduction chamber the pottery will cause the materials to spontaneously combust.  The smoke created inside reduces the amount of oxygen reaching the piece. This process creates the vivid iridescent colors that are characteristic of Raku. Not every piece makes it through this process, but those that do are of unique beauty.