Raku in East Granby

Raku is a type of pottery that came from Japan and is traditionally associated with Japanese tea ceremonies.  However, potters throughout the world, and in Connecticut, have adopted and modified the art form to develop “one of a kind” creations.

In the short video essay above, artists from Expressions Pottery Workshop in East Granby spend an afternoon Raku firing their pieces in an outdoor kiln. During the raku process, pieces are fired in a kiln that reaches 1800 degrees.   The length of a firing varies greatly depending upon environmental conditions and density of the load.  Typically pieces spend about an hour in the kiln before they are quickly transferred to what is called a “reduction container." Reduction is a firing term that refers to a lack of oxygen.  At Expressions, potters typically place their pieces in a reduction container (as seen in the video) with a nest of combustibles such as newspaper or hay.  Once flames engulf the pot, an inverted trashcan is placed over the piece.    This reduces the oxygen around the pottery and causes the fuel to search for oxygen elsewhere.allowing for a more complete combustion to occur.

Pinecones, pine needles, shredded paper and more are used in the process. Potter Avis Cherichetti said, "We use pinecones to help enhance the reds in copper colored glazes. Shredded paper and sawdust help generate smoke that makes the clay body itself black."

With very few exceptions, raku fired ware is fragile, porous, and not suitable for use with food.