CERAMICS BY FERN

Raku glazes vary in color from rich copper tones to silver, gold, blue, and white crackle and in surface from smooth luster to matte and textured surfaces.   Raku pots are not for eating or drinking or serving food and should be used only for decorative purposes.  All vases are watertight and can be used for flower arrangements.  Pots should be kept out of hours of direct sunlight in order to preserve their rich colors.

Vases are available in medium and large sizes  Cost:  $78 - 350.  Mini vases/candlesticks are $45-55 ea.                                                                           

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More Information

Raku 101

Step 1:  Pottery is thrown and bisque-fired.   Work is then glazed using copper-based matte, luster and texture glazes and small accents of white crackle.  All areas not glazed will turn black.

Step 2:  Pots are placed in a raku kiln, heated to 1850 F.  Red hot pots are removed from kiln with tongs and placed on bed of pine needles and covered with a metal can, creating a reduction chamber.

Step 3:  The resulting smoke carbonizes the surface of the pot, resulting in rich, velvety blacks and metallic lusters.

Step 4:  Variations in color are the result of the amount of oxygen allowed to reach the pot during the firing process and are unique to each piece.  After the pots have cooled, the cans can be removed and the final vibrant colors emerge.