Raku firing, an ancient Japanese ceramic technique, has captivated artists and art enthusiasts for centuries. With its roots deeply embedded in Japanese culture, Raku firing combines a delicate balance of craftsmanship, unpredictable outcomes, and stunning visual effects. Raku firing has evolved from a traditional pottery technique into a distinct form of modern art. Today embark on a journey through the history of Raku firing, delve into its various firing techniques, and explore how contemporary artists have embraced this ancient practice to create mesmerizing ceramic artworks.
The Origins and Evolution of Raku Firing
Raku firing finds its roots in 16th-century Japan when it was first introduced by Chojiro, (Raku Kichizaemon 1st), the first generation of the Raku family potters. Chojiro made a new style of pottery, which was inspired by the ideas of Rikyu, another famous potter of that time. Raku was also known as “raku chawan“i.e., hand-moulded tea bowl. Raku ware has its roots in a firing technique of Chinese (Ming dynasty) tri-coloured glazed pottery, which has green, yellow, sky blue and brown coloured glaze. However, Chojiro stopped using such colours in his works. His chawan just has black or red glaze, emphasizing the colour of Juraku red clay.
Originally developed for the tea ceremony. The Raku technique involves removing red-hot pottery from the kiln and placing it directly into a combustible material such as straw or sawdust. This sudden change in temperature creates an atmosphere of reduction, resulting in unique surface patterns and iridescent colours.
Traditional Raku Firing Techniques
Traditional Raku firing techniques have been passed down through generations, preserving the essence and authenticity of this ancient ceramic art form. These techniques are deeply rooted in Japanese culture and embody the concept of wabi-sabi, celebrating imperfections, simplicity, and the transient nature of existence.
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Bisque Firing:
The pottery undergoes an initial firing known as bisque firing. This firing process removes any moisture from the clay. Thus, making it more durable and heat-resistant. The pottery is typically fired at a temperature ranging from 900 to 1000 degrees Celsius.
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Glazing:
After the bisque firing, the pottery is glazed using various techniques. Raku glazes are characterized by their lively colours and unique visual effects. Glazes may be applied using brushes, sprayers, or dipping the pieces into glaze baths. The choice of glaze and application method greatly influences the final outcome. Raku glazes often contain metallic oxides that produce vibrant and unpredictable colours during the firing process.
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Firing:
The glazed and bisque-fired pottery is placed into a preheated kiln and fired until it reaches a temperature of around 1000 degrees Celsius. Once the pottery gives an orange-red glow, it is removed from the kiln using tongs or other specialized tools. Then, placed into a reduction chamber filled with combustible materials.
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Reduction and Smoke Firing:
After being removed from the kiln, the red-hot pottery is placed into a container filled with combustible materials such as sawdust, straw, or leaves. The container is then sealed, creating a reduction chamber. The smoke and oxygen deprivation inside the chamber influences the glaze and create distinctive crackling effects and blackened areas.
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Cooling and Cleaning:
Once the reduction process of a few minutes is completed, the pottery is removed and allowed to cool. The rapid change in temperature creates a thermal shock and enhances the crackling effect and colours. Then the pottery is scrubbed, removing excess carbon, ash and soot. These post-firing techniques may include sanding, waxing, and polishing. By manipulating the surface texture and adding finishing touches, artists can bring out the unique characteristics of each piece.
Contemporary Raku Art and Techniques
Contemporary Raku techniques push the boundaries of tradition, inviting artists to experiment, innovate, and develop their own artistic styles. Artists have embraced Raku firing techniques and expanded the boundaries of this ancient art form, incorporating innovative approaches and experimenting with new materials.
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Naked Raku:
Naked Raku is a technique that involves applying slip (a mixture of clay and water) to the pottery before glazing. During the firing process, the slip cracks and separates from the pottery, leaving behind a bare surface with intricate crackling patterns. The piece is then post-fired to remove any remaining slip and reveal the delicate patterns created by the firing process.
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Horsehair Raku:
Horsehair Raku is a visually striking technique where actual horsehair or other organic materials, such as feathers or leaves, are applied to the pottery while it is still red-hot. As the hair or organic material makes contact with the pottery, it burns and leaves behind unique, delicate black lines and patterns. The resulting designs evoke a sense of fluidity and ephemeral beauty.
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Saggar Firing:
Saggar firing involves placing the pottery inside a sealed container, known as a saggar, along with combustible materials, such as sawdust, salt, or metals. As the pottery is fired, the combustible materials release smoke, fumes, and vapors, which interact with the glaze, creating unpredictable and fascinating surface patterns and colors. Saggar firing allows for a great deal of experimentation and serendipitous results.
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Obvara Firing:
Obvara firing is an Eastern European technique that has gained popularity among contemporary Raku artists. It involves dipping the red-hot pottery into a mixture of flour, water, and yeast, which forms a unique and distinctive black and textured surface. The yeast ferments rapidly due to the extreme temperature difference, creating an extraordinary finish that combines earthy tones and crackling effects.
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Mixed Media and Sculptural Raku:
Contemporary artists have expanded Raku firing techniques beyond traditional vessels and functional pottery. They incorporate mixed media elements such as metal, wood, glass, or found objects into their Raku-fired creations. This integration allows for new forms of artistic expression and provides a platform for innovative sculptural work.
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Alternative Firing Methods:
Artists continue to explore alternative firing methods that combine Raku firing techniques with other firing processes. For instance, some artists combine Raku firing with pit firing, wood firing, or soda firing to achieve unique and unexpected results. These hybrid techniques broaden the possibilities for creative expression and result in diverse textures, colours, and surface effects.
Raku firing continues to enchant artists and art lovers alike with its fusion of tradition and modernity. The Raku firing techniques have endured through centuries, captivating artists and viewers alike with their mesmerizing beauty and deep-rooted cultural significance. From its humble origins in the Japanese tea ceremony to its contemporary interpretations in the world of modern art, Raku firing continues to inspire and push the boundaries of ceramic artistry.
Ember Edition
BEADS proudly shares the Ember Edition, a captivating series of home decor products that showcase the enchanting artistry of naked Raku firing. Each pottery piece in this collection is meticulously crafted and fired using the naked Raku technique, resulting in a stunning fusion of texture, crackling patterns, and organic beauty. In April 2023, Tushar Sawant was at our studio for a Naked Raku workshop.
