Vase with Red Lid

1.4 kg

 Raku is a very old Japanese firing technique dating back to the 16th century, and its name means "joy" in Japanese. In this technique, ceramics fired in special open-air kilns are quickly removed from the kiln while still incandescent, using tongs, when they reach approximately 950-1050°C. They are then embedded in organic materials such as sawdust and dry leaves, and covered. This creates a strong reduction in the ceramic clay and glaze, resulting in different effects. This technique causes various colors and strong effects on glazed surfaces, while unglazed surfaces become dramatically matte black. The strong thermal shock causes hairline cracks in the glaze, and the carbon formed during reduction penetrates these cracks, creating different patterns. After cooling, the ceramics are cleaned by rinsing under water; they are washed by grinding to remove soot, ash, and sediment.

 This technique produces experimental and surprising results because it creates various effects and different color tones on ceramic surfaces.