Raku Pottery

Raku Pottery's primary characteristics are their unique glazings. Raku pottery pieces get these as a result of: low firing tempuratures, multiple firings, mineral rich glazing compounds and a 'post fire reduction' process. This process causes the oxygen to be removed from the glaze leaving a variety of patterns and textures totally unique to eacy piece. Even experienced Raku potters never know exactly how the piece will turn out. This is one of the reasons for the increased popularity of Raku pottery. The owner of a Raku piece never has to worry about someone else having the same one!

Raku style Pottery dates back to 16th century Japan where a roof tile maker by the name of Chōjirō was asked by the Japanese Tea Master, Sen Rikyu, to make hand molded tea bowls for the wabi style tea ceremony that had become a very important part of the Japanese culture.

Legend has it, that at some point there had been a natural disaster in the Kyoto region and that there was an increased demand for roof tiles. Chōjirō was a tile manufacturer at that time and supposedly in his attempts to speed the production process, discovered that he could take his tile directly out of the fire and they would not crack. He then used this technique to produce tea bowls which earned a seal from Sen Rikyu bearing the Chinese symbol for 'Raku' (which means 'enjoyment' or 'ease') which then became the family name.

Amazingly, there has been continuous Raku family potters to this day. Raku Kichizaemon currentlyrepresents the 15th generation in this line of pottery and earthenware artists. To learn more about the Raku pottery's evolution over time please visit: Raku Ware Museum, Kyoto. For additional information on Japanese and Western Raku Pottery traditions see this article in the New World Encyclopedia.

Please view Arte de Amore Raku Pottery and Fine Ceramic Pieces here