The pieces shown were created using raku, sagger, carbon tracing, and pit firing techniques. These pieces are not intended to hold water and should not be used for food service.

Raku ware was originally created in the 16th century in Japan. The vessels were used for ritual tea drinking. The tea ceremony, with it's roots in Zen Buddhism, is a kind of meditation. The tea bowls when fired were removed while red hot and allowed to cool rapidly in the air. The low firing temperature used keeps the clay from completely hardening and this provides an insulating property for the tea bowl.

Modern raku has seen many changes and potters have developed their own styles and techniques. A major difference is when the red hot piece is removed from the fire, it is placed in a container of combustible material. The smoke seeps into the cracks of the glaze and creates unique and unpredictable effects.