Raku Firing Process

The white crackle Raku firing process involves painting a clear glaze on a bisqued ceramic form and placing the individual pot in an outdoor propane kiln for firing. Once the kiln temperature reaches 1850 degrees and the glaze matures the pot is removed hot from the kiln and allowed to cool rapidly causing surface cracks in the glaze.

The pot is then placed in a lidded container with wood chips and paper for smoking. The smoke is absorbed by the pot in the low oxygen atmosphere turning the bare clay body black and accenting the surface cracks. A thorough washing and surface finish completes the process of creating the individually unique ceramic vessel.

To create a more colorful result, minerals such as copper or cobalt may be added to the glaze mix with heavy post firing reduction to pull out brilliant color flashes on the ceramic form.