Raku pottery is a traditional Japanese style, dating back to 16th Century. This technique was originally developed specifically for the Japanese tea ceremony. Over time, many variations have emerged. The name "Raku" translates to: Enjoyment, Happiness, & Comfort. In my estimation, this perfectly encapsulates the essence of Double R Clay Works!
Compared to standard methods, Raku is much more unpredictable, and failure rate is 5-10x of traditional methods. As the pieces are removed from the kiln at peak firing temperatures (approx 1800°F), and immediately transferred to the ambient air (using long black-smith like tongs) to paper-lined metal cans for final reduction firing process. The red-hot pottery ignites the paper & the can is sealed. This "starves" the now enclosed combustion chamber of oxygen (i.e. "Reduction Firing"). Pending the Raku style variations include: "Naked" a.k.a Smoked Raku, Obvara Raku, and Horse-Hair enhanced Raku among others variations. All of which need to be rapidly completed (in less than 60 seconds to achieve desired results). The possibility of toxic fume inhalation, along with severe burns are also part of the Raku process. Not a job suited to the faint of heart.
Due to the rugged nature of Raku, cleaning (sometimes extensive) is always required after the work has cooled. For these reasons, Raku pottery is most often priced higher than a similar work employing traditional methods. Beautiful eye-popping work is a treasure to Raku enthusiasts.