This pottery is made in a low firing method. It originated in 16th century Japan and is called Raku. The glazed pieces are fired at about 1000 degrees Celsius in a wood or gas fired kiln, then removed red hot with long tongs and cooled quickly. During this process, small hairline cracks form within the glaze, so-called craquelées, which turn dark when smoked in sawdust and give the ceramic its typical appearance. The randomly controlled Raku firing process creates unique vessel surfaces.
Each object cannot be repeated a second time and is unique in its individuality.
A note on the use of raku ceramics:
– Liquids can be poured in for a few hours, but after a longer period of time they give off a slight moisture to the ceramic surface.
– Basically, washing by hand is recommended, as the salts of the dishwasher attack the raku ceramic too much in the long run.
– Due to their low-firing properties, raku ceramics are not impact-resistant, frost-proof or microwaveable.
– Avoid pouring strongly acidic liquids or food and oils into the pot.
– The glazes used are lead-free and non-toxic.
