Alternative Firing Methods What is Raku 'Raku' is an old Japanese technique, originating from the 15th-16th century. In 'western raku' glaze is applied to pottery which has usually been bisc fired. When the glaze melts the pottery is lifted out of the hot kiln with tongs and placed in a reduction bin, partly filled with sawdust and other combustible materials. Due to the temperature shock, the glaze moves very quickly from liquid to solid and cracks due to the tension. The smoke that is produced in the reduction bin fills up the cracks with carbon markings and leaves a typical cracked pattern. What is Naked Raku 'Naked Raku' is based on the same technique. The differences are that as the pot surface is very important to the final look, it needs to be very shiny. This is achieved through burnishing (polishing). A layer of resist slip is applied to the bisc fired pottery and then a layer of glaze is put on top. This resist layer stops the glaze from sticking to the pot. When the pot is put in the reduction bin, the glaze and slip crack, the smoke goes through the cracks onto the pot. After the slip and glaze are peeled off the surface is polished. So How Are Horsehair Markings Made? The pot is heated and the horsehair is applied to the hot work. As the hair burns, the carbon given off leaves the trailings onto the surface. Pit Firing A pit is simply dug into the ground or made on the ground using bricks and this is used as a firing chamber. The pit is filled with sawdust, paper and other dry combustible organic materials and the pottery is nestled into this. Further layers are placed on top of the pottery and then a layer of kindling and wood are put on top. This is then lit and the fire will burn for around an hour depending on the size of the pit. It can reach temperatures of between 500-700c degrees. The pit is then left to cool usually overnight and when it is completely cool the work can be removed. Barrel Firing This is the same as pit firing except on a smaller scale and will reach higher temperatures. Oxides and carbonates can be added to produce stronger surface colours of red, ochre and peach.