Raku Ceramic Turquoise Vessel by Birgitta Frazier
“Raku is a name originally used by a Japanese family that made tea ceremony ware since the seventeenth century. Now Raku refers to the ceremonial tea ware, the firing technique and the glazes used in the art form. The soft and porous ware is placed in a gas-fired kiln and heated to about 1750 degrees fareihnheit. The piece is quickly removed from the kiln and placed into a container with combustible material(s). The combustibles ignite and the piece is briefly engulfed in flames. An  airtight lid is placed on the container, which creates a reducing atmosphere that aids in producing luster.” – Birgitta
