Live Raku Demo
Posted Thursday, March 04, 2010
RAKU FIRING & RAFFLE
SATURDAY, MARCH 20TH
Ken Orr, well-known potter, will be conducting a Raku Workshop on Saturday, March 20th. Members of the Pottery Guild of the Bosque Arts Center will be the participants and the public is invited to observe.
What is Raku? The making of Raku ware was initiated by Chojiro, the first generation of the Raku family, during the Momoyama period (1573-1615) based on technology from the Fujian region of China produced in and around Kyoto. In the current process of Raku pots are fired to 1800F degrees. At that time, pots are carefully removed, with long tongs, and placed in special paper-lined metal cans. Then, the heat from the piece ignites the paper, causing a reaction in oxygen with the copper in the glaze. The result is a wide range of colors on the surface of the pots. A lid is then quickly placed over the metal can, and the ware is allowed to cool for 30-60 minutes or longer in the reduction atmosphere. The pots are then removed from the can and beautiful colors, luster, and patterns are revealed.
Orr has donated several of his elegant pieces to be Raku fired and raffled during the exhibition. The public is invited to observe the on-going fiery event during the afternoon (12-5) on the rear parking lot at the Bosque Arts Center (215 S. College Hill Drive, Clifton TX 76634).