What Is a Raku Kiln?
Raku is a kind of pottery used mainly for decoration or holding dry materials, since the vessels are too porous to be used as water vases. Raku pottery is known for its distinctive cracking pattern in the glaze and its intriguing colors. A kiln that can be used to create raku pottery is a raku kiln.
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Temperature
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To produce raku pottery, a kiln must be able to reach approximately 1,800 degrees F. This is a relatively low temperature when it comes to firing pottery, which is why raku pots are less durable.
Door
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The most important difference in a raku kiln compared to other kilns is the door. Raku kilns can be easily and safely opened when the pot reaches the right temperature. Raku pots do not cool in the kiln; they are removed immediately.
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Reduction Chamber
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To make raku pottery, a potter needs not only a kiln but also a metal can with a tight-fitting lid. When the pot is heated, it's snatched from the kiln with tongs and put in the container with combustible material, like newspaper. The fire consumes all the oxygen, creating distinct colors and patterns on the pot.
Homemade Raku Kilns
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Potters sometimes build permanent brick raku kilns in their yards or portable raku kilns from a ceramic fiber blanket and a metal garbage can. Building a kiln is risky for inexperienced potters because kilns must be assembled correctly to withstand the combustible material.
Store-Bought Raku Kilns
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For a greater investment but less risk, potters can buy professionally manufactured kilns powered by gas, propane or electricity.
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