Raku is an ancient Japanese firing technique.

All clay pieces undergo a first firing, called bisque. The difference is in the second firing. During the second firing of functional pieces, the kiln temperature is brought up to the optimum temperature for the particular clay as well as the glaze, and then slowly cooled before the kiln is opened, which often takes up to two days. In contrast, raku is a much faster process.

The pieces are still bisqued, but the glazing takes place outdoors in a gas kiln where the pieces are brought up to temperature within 40 minutes. Once heated, they are immediately pulled from the kiln, still glowing hot, with tongs and asbestos gloves, and quickly thrust into combustibles. These combustibles may be sawdust, leaves, straw, etc. The heat from the clay piece ignites the combustibles.

The placement of the piece in the kiln, the type of combustibles, the position of the piece within the combustibles, the temperature and humidity that day, are all determining factors in the final appearance of the piece.

Surface textures and colors can vary widely across each form and may range from dry and sandy to an incandescent luster. The asymmetrical irregularities produced by the process and technique contribute to the unique beauty and individuality of each hand formed piece.