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"Quick firing" in a reduction chamber creates the metallic variations found in raku pottery.
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The ancient art of Raku firing is around 900 years old, and originated in Korea . The Zen masters of Japan adopted the technique, and today, Raku is commonly regarded as a Japanese art. Raku is more fragile than other pieces of pottery because of the firing process. Quick firing of the pieces prevents raku pottery from reaching it 's full strength, but creates beautiful multicolored, metallic finish. - Bradford starts with a bisque-fired piece, which is unfinished, but has gone through it's first firing.
- He applies a colored glaze and fires the piece in the kiln at about 1800 degrees .
- Once the piece has reached 1800 degrees, it's removed with tongs and placed in a container filled with organic materials, such as straw or newspaper.
- The intense heat of the piece causes the organic material to catch fire and the barrel is covered -- creating a reduction chamber -- the piece stays in the reduction chamber for about 20 minutes, where the smoke changes the color of the glaze.
Bradford recommends the use of proper safety equipment -- tongs and gloves -- and a class to learn the techniques at a community center or college art department.
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