Saturday Raku Magique at the Dragon

See details about our Saturdays at the end of the photo series-

Check out the magique!

Raku is a Japanese inspired method for firing clay that creates unpredictable smoke patterns and spectacular metallic and crackle effects in the glazes. After initially firing a greenware clay piece to bisque, raku glazes are applied and it is fired a second time, usually in a gas kiln. When the temperature of the piece reaches between 1600 and 1900 degrees, it is removed from the kiln with tongs, wearing protective gloves, and is placed in a nest of combustible materials (paper, leaves, sawdust, pine needles), cover the item with a metal container, and wait about 15 to 20 minutes. Some potters then remove the piece and dip it in water.

Putting another load of pots to be fired into a hot kiln

Removing the very hot lid

Transferring pot from hot kiln to can with combustibles

Hot pot placed into can with sawdust

Hot pot ignites combustibles, more is thrown on top and lid is placed on the can.

Pots allowed to smoke for fifteen minutes or more.

(sometimes ten if we are anxious to see)

The magique appears!!!!

Join us any Saturday morning to participate in a raku firing, using your own bisque items or purchase ready-made bisque from the studio to decorate. A variety of raku glazes provided for use, including white crackle, shiny copper lusters and multicolored copper mattes. Firings run from approximately 8am-noon each Saturday. Arrive anytime during these hours to put your pots in the firing line!

$20 per person- bring up to six small to medium sized items. Bisque items priced separately.