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RAKU
TURTLE VASES * GODDESS VASES * WALL PLATES
The Raku - fired pottery I make and sell is an American version of a Japanese tradition.
TECHNIQUE - A glazed pot is pulled from a red-hot kiln with long tongs, it is immediately put into a metal container with flammable material - I use newspaper and / or pine needles. Flames rise from the container upon contact with the hot pot. The lid is quickly put on, and the pot smolders until it is cool enough to open the lid and remove the piece. In this oxygen-free environment, color variations develop. Copper is the chief colorant. Variations in the chemicals used as a glaze base contribute to different finished textures and colors. It is fascinating to me that a glaze can produce so many colors on one piece of pottery.
My raku glazes are formulated for either a glossy or matte surface. I like the look of a glossy glaze on the inside of a vase. The variations in color on raku pottery make each piece unique.
ORDERING - If you are interested in purchasing raku from me, please email me susanroden@susanroden.com and I can send you photos of pieces I have in stock for your selection.
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Turtles have extensive
symbolism in many cultures throughout the world.
For the Japanese, the
turtle is a symbol of good luck and longevity.
They symbolize constancy
and purity to the Maya.
The Chinese believed the
universe rested on the backs of turtles, constant symbols of strength,
patience, endurance and long life.
Aesop's tortoise beat
the hare in their race.
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HORSE HAIR Raku (pictured on the right) is an unglazed pot where the surface design is a result of horse hair burned onto the piece. Technically Horse-Hair is not raku, since it is not glazed. I spray a sealant on my horsehair pots, to protect them from hand oils, dust, etc.
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Goddess sculptures have been found in caves in France dating from Paleolithic times, c23,000 b.c. The Great Goddess symbolized more than fertility and motherhood, she was the constant and rhythmic change of life on earth. She was a triple function deity: life-giving, death-giving and regenerative. Like the phases of the moon: new, waxing and old. The Goddess took on many earthly symbols, plant and animal.
My raku-fired Goddess vases wear tattoos of their totem symbol. The figure in the middle photo above has a turtle totem symbol. Examples of other totems available include: dolphin, lily, frog, rose, yin-yang and bear. I include a short interpretation of the meaning of the Goddess' totem.
These raku-fired
Goddess vases are 7" to 8" tall and do not hold water.
I also make
porcelain Goddess vases that hold water and live
flowers.
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These plates are approximately 13" in diameter, and are wired to hang from a wall.
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Raku fired pots are porous and do not hold water. If displayed in direct sunlight, the colors have been known to fade. I have some raku-fired plates that have hung on a north-facing wall in my living room for over 15 years with no change in color. With that disclaimer, I can say that Raku is extremely eye-catching to see and exciting to participate in. There is no denying the popularity of pottery fired with this method.
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