Simple, glazed, formed bowl,
Fired: intensely burning kiln
Blackened, changed, striking!
Grant and I went to a Raku firing for his piece of pottery. It had been formed by hand, fired, glazed, and then placed into outdoor kilns, until the kiln was around 1800 degrees, the red hot pieces were brought out pinging and placed in metal buckets filled with newspaper. When the newspaper started to burn, and all the peices were in, the buckets were closed, and wet towels placed on them to keep the smoke in. Areas where the clay did not have any glaze turned dull black, a beautiful contrast to the dramatic glazes. I can't wait until next year when we do it again: after dark! Too Cool!
5 comments:
Is this a Japanese technique? I'm among the ignorant. Can't tell by the name. Very fascinating, though.
1) What is Raku
History of Raku: The making of Raku ware was initiated by Chojiro, the first generation of the Raku family, during the Momoyama period (1573-1615). At this time three-colored glazed pottery (san cai) based on technology from the Fujian region of China was produced in and around Kyoto. Chojiro is thought to have been familiar with such techniques. A written record confirms that Ameya, Chojiro's father, originally from China, is thought to have been the person who introduced the techniques of three-colored glazed pottery from China, although none of his works has survived to prove this. These Japanese san cai wares were not, however, called Raku ware and it was only after Chojiro had become acquainted with the teamaster Sen no Rikyu (1522-1591) and had started making tea bowls for the tea ceremony (chanoyu) that Raku ware came into being. It could be said that the origin of Raku ware lay in the making of a single tea bowl for the tea ceremony.
In answer to your question I have found:
Current process of Raku: Pots are fired to 1800F degrees. At that time, the pots are carefully removed, with long tongs, and placed in a special paper lined metal can. Then, the heat from the piece ignites the paper, causing a reaction in Oxygen with the copper in the glaze. The result is a wide range of colors on the surface of the pots. A lid is then quickly put over the metal can, and the ware is allowed to cool for 30 – 60 minutes or longer in the reduction atmosphere. The pots are then removed from the can and the beautiful colors, luster, and patterns are revealed. Raku pieces will not hold water and to be used only as a decorative art form.
This is really cool! I would love to see this in person to get a true feel for it's beauty! Interesting technique!
I'm impressed with your wide and varied appreciation for art and your ability to express yourself through your art. Hopefully this will result in an apprecdiation of art in your children. They will also need education along lines that will prepare them to make a good living so they can afford to pursue and enjoy the pursuit of the arts.
Dad Burgess
Oops I guess that wasn't very clear. This is Grant's bowl, not mine. Mine is only the appreciation of it, and the involvement of being there as I am his taxi service. And Pops, I think this is education, it required a lot of new information to be learned! Art can be a launching pad for other learning. But I do know what you mean! :)
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