Raku Fired Fish!!!

The ceramic fish that we specialize in are of a particular ceramic firing process called "Raku." Raku, as practiced today, is derived through procedures developed by Japanese potters from the 16th century. Today, potters modify the traditional Raku firing process by using more conventional methods of firing, including the use of propane tanks (instead of wood and coal fires) and metal containers full of combustible material (instead of holes in the ground full of leaves) in which the Raku art is placed after firing. When we raku fire, the pieces are removed red-hot at 1,900 degrees Fahrenheit, and placed in a pile of combustible material, such as sawdust, leaves, or paper. The material immediately ignites and a metal container is put over it. Lacking air, the organic material releases carbon gases that affect the body and glaze of the piece. Due to the severe drop in temperature when the piece is removed from the kiln, the glaze shrinks faster than the clay body. This causes "craze" lines (small cracks) throughout the piece. These hairline cracks are made prominent by the deposit of carbon in them – turning them black. No matter what color clay is used, the cracks and exposed areas of clay will turn black due to carbon deposits. Creating a raku fish is a difficult process, but one that produces distinctive, beautiful, and individual results.