January 2024 - Raku Pottery

It's a new year and we're happy to have you along for the ride! We plan to bring you a lot of new products and continue to offer some of your old favorites. And as always, we look forward to seeing you at the Pickle Barrel Trading Post!

This month we feature Raku Pottery...enjoy!

Raku pottery’s origins can be traced back to the late 1500s during the Azuchi-Momoyama period in Japan. In the mid-20th century, raku pottery gained popularity in the United States and Europe, where artists began experimenting with the technique and adapting it to their styles and cultural contexts.



Raku pottery can be created using various forming techniques, including hand methods like coil building, slab construction, pinching, and wheel-throwing. The choice of forming technique depends on the artist’s preference and the desired outcome for the finished piece.



Traditionally, raku pottery was fired in a small, above-ground kiln made of brick or clay. Modern raku kilns can be made from metal or ceramic fiber. These kilns are designed to heat up quickly and reach the required firing temperature in less than an hour.

Once the kiln is preheated, the glazed pottery is carefully placed inside. The kiln’s temperature is then increased rapidly to reach the desired firing temperature, usually between 1,500-1,800°F (815-982°C). The firing process can take 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the kiln type, pottery size, and desired effects.



Raku glazes are specially formulated to withstand the rapid temperature changes of the raku firing process. They often contain metallic oxides, such as copper or iron, which produce vibrant colors and exciting surface effects when exposed to the post-firing reduction process. Before glazing, the pottery is usually bisque-fired to remove any remaining moisture and harden the clay. The bisque-fired piece can be glazed and decorated using various techniques, such as brushing, dipping, or spraying.

A favorite at the Pickle Barrel Trading Post, you'll find a large selection of this unique and wonderful clay art.





Remember, our 20% off all sterling silver Native American jewelry sale is still going strong!



After 20 years, our motto still rings true...

'You Won't Believe What's Inside!'

Shop with us online...click below

CLICK HERE

NEW

STORE HOURS:

WED-SUN 11:00AM-5:00PM

CLOSED MON & TUE