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Pottery • Raku
About This Category
The word 'Raku' means 'joy' or 'happiness'
Raku is an ancient Japanese method of firing pottery developed in the 16th century. It is used in the Japanese Tea Ceremony.
The raku piece is removed from the 1800 degrees F. kiln with tongs at the time when the glaze is molten hot. It is then placed into a container, holding grass, sawdust or newspaper. The flammable material instantly bursts into flames when the raku piece makes contact. Oxygen is cut off to the flames by placing a lid on the container, this creates a thick black smoke of carbon which is drawn into the clay, blackening the claybody. The carbon also accents any cracking that has occured in the glaze due to the extreme temperature changes. Once cooled, the raku piece is taken from the container and placed into water. It is scrubbed clean, exposing the unusual colours and patterns signature to raku firing. No two pieces are ever alike. Raku firing is usally alway done outdoors.
Raku pottery is decorative only. It is not water proof.
Raku Sea Otter with Mussel Shell
Artist: Gale LaPorte
Available: Ucluelet
Shining iridescent as if wet from the sea, this sculpted life-like 'floating' sea otter is hand crafted by Errington, BC raku potter and artist Gale LaPorte. The signature matallic colours of a raku firings bring alive the textured fur carved in the clay.
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Raku Sea Otter with Clam
Artist: Gale LaPorte
Available: Tofino
Shining iridescent as if wet from the sea, this sculpted life-like 'floating' sea otter is by Errington, BC raku artist Gale LaPorte. Metallic colors are created by removing clay pottery from the hot kiln, followed by a smoking and water cooling process.
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Raku Wall Fish
Artist: Gale LaPorte
Available: Ucluelet
Rock cod relief sculpture hand built of clay and raku fired creating metallic colours of red, purple, gold and blue. Detail in design and the raku process offer texture to the piece adding interest and movement. Fixed with secured wire for wall hanging.
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Wee Sea Stars
Artist: Gale LaPorte
Available: All Locations
These small hand sculpted raku starfish make a perfect west coast gift. Created on Vancouver island by Potter Gale La Porte in Errington BC. Each starfish is unique in color and shape.
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