RAKU is an ancient Japanese style of firing pottery. The term RAKU is freely interpreted as “enjoyment” and is represented by the character shown to the right.

A man by the name of Chojiro is accredited with being the first ever to use this method in the year 1580 A.D. In 1598, the Emperor of Japan awarded him with an ideograph engraved on a gold seal that bore the emblem symbolizing “Raku”. Thus, RAKU became Chojiro’s family title.

With RAKU, the pieces are rapidly fired to a temperature of 1750 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the glaze becomes molten, the glowing pots are removed from the kiln and laid in a can of newspapers. After the newspapers ignite, the lid is placed on the can and the flame is smothered out. It is this type of firing, in conjunction with the special clays and glazes that ensures each piece to be distinctly unique.

Click here to see a slide show of the raku firing process.