Raku

Raku is a Japanese ceramic firing process that uses the elements of earth, fire, air, and water to create decorative pottery. Hot pieces are removed from a low-temperature kiln and placed into combustible materials, such as newspaper or sawdust, which ignite. The resulting carbon-rich atmosphere creates unique metallic lusters, smoky effects, and spontaneous flame patterns on the glaze. The process yields porous, weak, and crazed (cracked) pieces that are unsuitable for functional items, such as food or drink containers, but are prized for their unpredictable beauty and decorative value.