TOM & NANCY GIUSTI
| Raku was first used by the Japanese back in the early 1500s to be used exclusively for the tea ceremony that is practiced throughout Japan today.The word Raku in early times signified "enjoyment of freedom." Today with it being made in great numbers at factories and not by individual carftsmen, the Raku has come to mean "low-fired ware with lead based glaze." Raku pottery is more decorative than useful. It will only hold water for a very short period of time before the liquid will seep out of the porous clay body. American Raku is fired by heating it and burying it in a combustible material such as sawdust, leaves or newspapers to give greater contrast and bright vibrant colors to the glazed surface. The pottery they produce is designed strictly for non-functional purpose and must never be used for food, drink or any other eating service. Care should be taken in the display and cleaning of the art as it is delicate with sensitive surfaces. The copper based glaze is an ever changing contrast surface and it will take on the environment to which it is exposed. |
Plaque
Plaque
Plaque
Plaque
Cornerstone
Tall Pot
Wallhanging
Wallhanging
