Raku Firing

When most potters in the West think of raku firing, they think of what should technically be referred to as “American” or “Western” raku: a process in which work is removed from the kiln at bright red heat and subjected to post-firing reduction (or smoking) by being placed in containers of combustible materials, which blackens raw clay and causes crazing in the glaze surface. This is the raku definition we use and, in these archives, we have gathered articles and videos on raku firing that will appeal to the novice and the expert alike.

This Western raku firing process has a huge draw for many potters because of its excitement and unpredictability. After all, what’s not to love about playing with fire?! But before you start, there’s lots of information you need to know and our Raku Firing archives will get you well on your way.

Interested in buying a raku kiln? Check out our post Helpful Tips on Purchasing a Raku Kiln. Once you get that kiln, you’ll want to be sure you fire it safely. You’ll definitely need to read Practicing Safe Raku: How Potters Can Protect Themselves When Playing With Fire. Plus, we have articles on related techniques like naked raku (it’s not what you think it is!) and saggar firing. Whether you are new to raku or have been doing it for years and just want some new ideas, you’ll find a plethora of information right here in these pages. So jump on in and start perusing the archives. You’ll discover what makes raku so hot!