Raku ware, Japanese hand-molded lead-glazed earthenware, originally invented in 16th-century Kyōto by the potter Chōjirō, who was commissioned by Zen tea master Sen Rikyū to design wares expressly for the tea ceremony.
Who first developed Raku firing?
The ancient Eastern styles of Raku were developed with new methods by American ceramicist Paul Soldner in the 1960s. The methods he created were known as ‘low-temperature salt firing,’ and he was known to teach his students ‘not to fight the unexpected but to look for the opportunities it offers.
Who was the first Potter in raku?
1. Tea Bowl with Black Glaze by Chojiro. Raku tea bowls were initiated by the famous potter Tanaka Chojiro (1516–1592), the founding father of the Raku family. Historical evidence shows that Chojiro manufactured ridge tiles for shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s palace in 1574.
What was the original name of Raku?
Raku ware was born out of an unprecedented methodology and technique. However it was not called Raku ware when Rikyû and Chôjirô were active. It was initially called Ima-yaki, “now wares” , wares produced at the present time, that is to say, tea bowls that looked avant-garde.
Where does the word raku come from?
Origin of raku
From Japanese 楽 (raku, “fun, delightful”). A seal engraved with this word was marked on the early pieces. It was the title and seal used by 15 generations of potters.
Can you do ceramics without a kiln?
A Kitchen Oven
This is the most modern method of firing ceramics without a kiln. ... A kitchen oven is ideal starter equipment as it allows you to experiment and to learn different techniques before considering a more sophisticated piece of equipment.
What does raku mean in pottery?
1 : Japanese hand-modeled pottery that is fired at a low temperature and rapidly cooled .
Can you drink from raku?
May I use your Raku ceramics to eat and/or drink? Yes , you may. Unlike traditional Raku ceramics, we use only food-safe glazes without lead or other metals.
How hot is raku firing?
Western raku is typically made from a stoneware clay body, bisque fired at 900 °C (1,650 °F) and glost or glaze fired (the final firing) between 800–1,000 °C (1,470–1,830 °F) , which falls into the cone 06 firing temperature range.
Is raku pottery waterproof?
Some potters say the answer is basically no, you can’t make raku waterproof . The argument is that raku can be coated with various things that make it temporarily waterproof. However, with time the pottery will suffer from continual seepage and will eventually disintegrate.
How old is raku pottery?
Raku is a low-fired ceramic ware first produced by Sasaki Chōjirō (d. 1592) in the 16th century in Kyoto.
Who is considered the father of American Raku?
Paul Soldner : Playing with Fire, explores the life and art of Paul Soldner (1921-2011) a revolutionary ceramic artist who transformed a three thousand year old craft into a new expression of modern art. The “Father of American Raku” Soldner made countless contributions to the ceramics world.
What is raku clay good for?
Widely used for a multitude of different applications – not limited to Raku temperatures. This versatile clay can be fired to stoneware. With a large content of fine grog, it retains excellent plasticity making it suitable for larger work. Great working properties for coiling, hand building and slab work .
What does the Japanese word raku mean?
Japanese name meaning “ handsome” , although other meanings are possible depending on the character(s) used in the name.
What does the name Raku mean?
Meaning & History
From Japanese 楽 (raku) meaning “ comfort, music ” or 良 (ra) meaning “good” combined with 公 (ku) meaning “ruler” or 久 (ku) meaning “long time”. Other kanji combinations are possible.
Is Raku a Scrabble word?
Yes , raku is in the scrabble dictionary.
