How to Make Japanese Pottery

Japanese pottery is made via a high temperature process known as raku.

Since the 16th century, Japanese artists have been perfecting the process of raku pottery, which features rapidly fired clay objects that are removed from the kiln when they are glowing hot. The process involves glazing and firing at the same time in less than an hour, eliminating the two-step process of traditional pottery. Making this uncomplicated raku vase involves a degree of risk and uncertainty, but the results can be exciting, and smoke marks can deliver added texture and appeal.

Things You'll Need

• Cord of wood
• 35 bricks
• Raku clay
• Rolling pin
• Knife
• Glaze
• Paintbrush
• Raku kiln
• Raku gloves
• Eye guard
• Blacksmith tongs
• Tin cans
• Newspaper
• Bucket of water

Instructions

1. Roll the clay out to a minimum slab thickness of 1/2 inch. Cut a four-inch diameter circle from the slab. Bend the outer edges of the circle upward to create the bowl, smoothing with your fingers. Push down on the base of the bowl with your fingers to create a flat and secure base.

2. Brush the inside of the bowl with the glaze, avoiding the bottom of the bowl.

3. Fire up the kiln to a temperature of 1,850 degrees.

4. Shred the newspaper and use it to fill up a tin can that is only slightly larger than the finished bowl.

5. Put on your gloves and eye guard.

6. Insert the bowl in the kiln and watch it carefully for up to 40 minutes.

7. Remove the bowl from the kiln using the blacksmith tongs. Place the bowl in the tin can.

8. Watch the tin can carefully, smothering flames with a small amount of water. When then bowl has cooled, submerge it in the bucket of water.

Tips & Warnings

• Utilize the help of at least one other person during the raku firing process to help move the pottery quickly.

References

• A Very Short Course in Raku
• The Complete Potter Raku; Ian Byers; B.T. Batsford Ltd.; 1990