Technique
Raku firing
A ceramic firing method in which the hot object is removed from the kiln and often placed in combustible material, producing pronounced surface variation.
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Understanding the term
Western raku practice using rapid cooling and post-firing reduction is related to, but not identical with, the older Japanese tradition. Thermal shock creates cracking and unpredictable colour. Many raku objects remain porous and are intended primarily as art objects.
When Raku firing is given as a technique, it describes the process that created the work's impression, structure or surface. Technique and subject are distinct: very different images can be made using the same method.
The process can often be read in edges, lines, layers and surface. It can also explain natural variation between examples and offer useful evidence about workflow, edition and appropriate care.
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