Raku

The piece shown in class had a white crackle glaze and a black-charcoal color on non-glazed areas. The bowl-like piece was also quite irregular in shape. Knowing this information, I found that this is a raku piece. Raku pottery absorbs the black smoke in the firing process. The glazes often result with a crackling effect and the general shape of raku pieces are typically free-form and fluid with asymmetry. I believe that this piece could possibly be a decorative, raku, japanese, tea ceremony bowl. These bowls are used in the japanese tea ceremony and contain the basic shape that the class collection example holds. However, because this is a raku version of the tea ceremony bowl, it most likely more decorative than functional. This is because raku pieces usually aren't used for containing food items. I really like making raku pottery and have only had a brief chance to do so last year. Hopefully I will have more opportunities to make raku pottery this year!

ColinS 10:00ACE