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Hélène Fleury
visual arts, ceramics
RAKU
Raku is an abbreviation of the Japanese term raku-yaki 楽焼 and is the result of an enameling technique in Japanese ceramics developed in the 16th century. It is mainly linked to the manufacture of bowls for the tea ceremony.
THE TECHNIQUE
It involves removing the piece from the oven while at 950 degres celcius, which creates a violent thermal shock. The enamel cracks. The piece is then smoked in a closed container to cut off the oxygen supply, which causes the smoke to enter the cracks and blacken them.
This technique comes from Eastern Europe and consists of dipping the piece in a mixture of water and fermented flour (see video)
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