Raku Shake Basket

The raku firing process is a quick and dramatic method to get less predictable finished results and also beautiful shiny glazes. Raku has been a part of sacred Japanese tea ceremonies since ancient times. Accidental markings from tongs, combustible material, and smoke are valued as important decoration on the pots as are the cracks and crackling which show up as a result of crash cooling with water. Because of the soft-fired clay and fissures in the glaze, raku ware is not considered reliable for holding water without leaking.