Talk:Raku ware

Aluminium container not explained

Under the section "Oxidation reduction", it starts by stating "In raku firing, the aluminium container acts as a reduction tube" This needs an explanation - it has no mention in the article before, i.e. what container, why aluminium, what process ?, is the container a substitute for a kiln ? It could begin e.g. "Raku is fired in a metal container, mostly made of aluminium .... etc For someone who has no previous knowledge of Raku, like me, it needs to be better explained. Thanks

this section of "oxidation reduction" should be included under "western firing". this is not a technique from the original japanese tradition. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.246.209.194 (talk) 04:29, 3 April 2013 (UTC)

Korea

I was reading the information about Raku and didn't see any reference to Raku's techinique origins in Korea and history prior to Japan.

Raku has its roots actually "originating in Korea". It was brought to Japan by a Korean potter known as "Amenya"..and that latter changed his name to "Masakichi" when he settled in Kyoto..it was his wife" " Teirin" and later by her Son(Sen No Rikio)Chorjiro who after taking over his kiln after his death, made a sucess of it in Kyoto. Facts are the technique was "Imported" to Japan and it was created earlier then the 16th century in Korea.Little seems to be said about the technique being brought "back"..by artistians of Korean origin and Imported after invasions and trips to Korea and China, then adopted..by the buddhist Monks in Japan who further developed it.(1)

"Much of Japan's borrowing from China came via Korea and often reflected Korean adaptation of Chinese culture. The process was especially important in the fifth through eighth centuries. Japanese tribute missions to China during the Nara and Heian periods general traveled via Korea, often on Korean ships.The Japanese often imported Korean manufactured goods and art works which were used as models. For example, archaeology suggests that the distinctive swords and armor of the samurai are probably of Korean origin. Borrowing and influences from Korea were continuous: bonsai trees, raku ware pottery, sumo wrestling and Neo-Confucianism were imported from or influenced by Korea" 2

Ibid:

References:

1.Japan and China:Its History Arts and Literature,F. Brinkly, page 32.Volume VIII,Keramic Art 1904

http://books.google.com/books?id=u-kVAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA1-PA32&dq=raku+began+in+korea#PPP5,M1

2.Michael J. Seth

James Madison University 

http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:8xQuXFoREfkJ:www.uba.ar/ceca/download/korean-history.doc+raku+roots+in+korea&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=15&gl=us

hope you get this claified,Leaving out the facts, discounts the cultural influences of Korea on Japan's Raku and other arts and Industry..Time give credit where it is due??..

Regards, Steven S. Stamp,BFA (Ceramic's)Eastern Michigan University 93"

1/8/09 —Preceding unsigned comment added by Steveshrdw (talk • contribs) 06:02, 8 January 2009 (UTC)

After doing some reasearch on the internet about Ogata Kenzan I do understand that he was not doing rakuyaki himself but created his own style called kenzan-yaki. Since there is no reference that can back up the statement Ogata Kenzan was one of the best-known raku potters I think it is save to remove it.

References:

• http://www.asia.si.edu/exhibitions/online/kenzan/raku.htm
• http://www.e-yakimono.net/guide/html/kyo-yaki.html
• http://www.e-yakimono.net/html/wilson-richard-interview.html
• http://www.raku-yaki.or.jp/

cheers, --synthetik 06:57, 1 Aug 2003 (UTC)

Western Raku

The discussion of Western raku contained some minor gaps and inaccuracies, primarily in the discussion of the firing methods and times. This is based partially on my own experience of doing raku firings, and confirmed by further research.

Reference:

• Peterson, Susan. The Craft and Art of Clay. The Overlook Press, Woodstock, NY, Second Edition 1996. ISBN 0-87951-634-8.

C whitney 17:37, 11 September 2005 (UTC)

This is an evolving western technique and our description should reflect that variability, if possible. Every modern Raku potter, I know (including me!) does things a little differently from the next guy. You should see some of the variations of method in our group studio alone! We work primarily in a groggy gray stoneware and fire about 1900 degrees F, but other nearby potters work in a smooth earthenware and fire at much lower temperatures. So, please add your information and what methods you prefer, but let's work on reflecting the flexibility of the technique for western artists. Thanks. WBardwin 02:42, 13 September 2005 (UTC)

I added a bit about the purpose of the reducing chamber; the source is Paul Soldner himself (I was a student of his 1989-1992). Western raku was simultaneously invented by another, lesser-known potter and introduced at the same conference in the mid-60's. Unfortunately, I have this all as an anecdotal story from Paul and I don't think it's included in any of his books, so I'm not inserting it into the article. Some of the details may be wrong, and this is currently one of the best-written short articles I've seen on wikipedia. Jberkus 06:08, 22 October 2005 (UTC)

Images

Anyone have a nice image of a Japanese tea bowl - historic or modern? I could probably come up with some Western raku images. Thanks. WBardwin 08:41, 2 Mar 2005 (UTC)

Re: Images

The only tea bowl images I have are copy-righted images from books.

If you'd like pictures of Western raku pots, we have many that you can take your pick from. btw - thanks for differentiating between traditional and western raku techniques.  :)

- David
Your image identified as raku in Kiln is actually in the post combustion treatment, aka reduction step after the kiln firing.  — Preceding unsigned comment added by 65.78.170.102 (talk) 14:11, 14 November 2022 (UTC) 

Link to commercial raku artists

I made a revision to the Raku page by adding a link to an artist's web site that had a collection of raku vessels. The reference was intended for informational purposes, but was deleted because it was a "commercial link." The page did have prices next to the vessels. The work in question is a unique representation of the western raku style, and has won many awards. What if there was a separate page without prices? There is another link to an artist (Janice James) who sells raku masks at galleries, but does not sell them online - is that commercial?

Wiki policy is quite firm about commercial sites tied to the articles in the encyclopedia - they do not see themselves as a free advertising site. So, usually, sites with prices and mechanisms to place orders are included in that commercial category and will be deleted. If there is a page without prices (perhaps only showing the value of the piece) and the ability to place orders, it is usually OK to place a link. Or, if the artist and photographer is willing to release a photograph of a piece from copyright, it would be very welcome in the article. The James' site is on the edge, in my opinion, and I will expect someone else to challenge and delete it in the future. Best wishes. WBardwin 05:09, 8 January 2006 (UTC)

This issue keep recurring -- should we delete all commercial sites and leave only museums/govt collections? Have a seperate section in the article which lists modern raku practitioners -- with selected sites? Ideas to deal with problem? Sounds like something a project site should decide. See Pottery talk page about a proposed clay project. WBardwin 20:17, 12 April 2006 (UTC)

I deleted all but one of the commercial sites -- how does everyone feel about the issue? A poll? WBardwin 19:01, 21 May 2006 (UTC)

Please comment on the question and then perhaps we can vote:

Commercial sites intended to allow the reader to view, order and purchase materials are globally prohibited on Wikipedia. On this article, and related articles, should commercial sites be allowed when:

• 1) they also provide educational or instructional material?
• 2) do not contain price information or allow the reader to order work?
• 3) have images that illustrate the material covered in the article, and no non-commercial sites are available?

I feel it would be troublesome to allow sites that can be construed as commercial, if exceptions are made they may be seen as policy, and the policy is firm that there be no commercial links, and is unlikely to change.

However, there is no policy disallowing a link from the image page to a commercial site, so in my opinion, a fair work-around would be to upload an image given by a commercial site, an image placed into the public domain. The public domain tag generally is accompanied by information as to who placed the image into the public domain, and that information in my opinion and interpretation of present policy could include the web address of the image provider. This might encourage someone to allow the use of one or several images to be used, without a direct link to a commercial site, and still allow credit to be given for the generous contribution of the image.Pedant 06:01, 9 July 2006 (UTC)

Traditional raku

it would be nice to have more information on traditional raku, techniques, and raku masters, at present it seems there is more about 'western' raku. Pedant

this article lacks both Wabi-sabiwabi and sabi

This article needs a redo from word one.

added link to title to clarify user's topic. So, if you have issues, go ahead and improve our aesthetic presentation! In my opinion, Wiki editors should come here to work. WBardwin 06:27, 14 October 2006 (UTC)

Utility

Shouldn't it be made known that Raku ware is NOT to be used for serving food/drink? It's gorgeous stuff, but the lead seeps out...

--Gautam3 18:10, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

Raku ware doesn't necessarily contain lead...none of my raku glazes do? Teapotgeorge 09:08, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

None of my glazes contain lead. But my bodies do remain pourous, so I mark them as not food safe. WBardwin 21:12, 27 April 2007 (UTC)

Quotation and introduction

I restored the introduction which had apparently been lost to vandalism. I also restored the quotation -- which I had originally placed at the head of the article. Objections? Comments? WBardwin 21:12, 27 April 2007 (UTC)

Yes. The quotation is unrelated to raku, and its apparent author was a master of tea and not a potter. So there is no value to its inclusion here. I vote for deletion —Preceding unsigned comment added by 194.126.226.253 (talk) 16:23, 18 July 2008 (UTC)

List of books moved from article

• Pitelka, Morgan. Handmade Culture: Raku Potters, Patrons, and Tea Practitioners in Japan. University of Hawaii Press, 2005. ISBN 0-8248-2970-0.
• Hamer, Frank and Janet. The Potter's Dictionary of Materials and Techniques. A & C Black Publishers, Limited, London, England, Third Edition 1991. ISBN 0-8122-3112-0.
• Peterson, Susan. The Craft and Art of Clay. The Overlook Press, Woodstock, NY, Second Edition 1996. ISBN 0-87951-634-8.
• Watkins, James C. Alternative Kilns & Firing Techniques: Raku * Saggar * Pit * Barrel, Lark Ceramics Publications, 2007. ISBN 9781579904555, ISBN 1579904556.
• Branfman, Steven. "Raku FAQs." Ceramics Today. Ceramics Today, Sept. 2002. Web. 6 May 2010.
• Herb, Bill. "What Is Raku." Dimensional Design. Bill Herb A.k.a Dimensional Design, Jan. 2000. Web. 6 May 2010.
• Knapp, Brian J. Oxidation and Reduction. Port Melbourne, Vic.: Heinemann Library, 1998. Print.
• Birks, Tony. The New Potter's Companion. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice Hall, 1982. Print.
• Mitchell, John. Personal Interview. 30 Apr. 2010.
• Rhodes, Daniel. “Special Glazes and Surface Effects.” Clay and Glazes for the Potter. Revised ed.

Randor: Chilton Book Company, 1973. 318. Print.

• Zamek, Jeff. "» Glazes: Materials, Mixing, Testing, Firing." » Ceramic Arts Daily –

Featured Tip of the Day. Ceramic Publications Company, 5 Nov. 2009. Web. 26 May 2010. <http://ceramicartsdaily.org/ceramic-glaze-recipes/glaze-chemistry-ceramic-glaze-recipes-2/glazes-materials-mixing-testing-firing/?floater=99>.

• Andrews, Tim " Raku:a review of contemporary work".A.C.Black,London.1994 ISBN 0-7136836-2
• Andrews, Tim " Raku". A.C.Black, London. 2nd Ed.2005 ISBN 0-71366490-8

The list has been added back by another user, I still think the list is a mess and mostly promotional in content.Teapotgeorge^Talk 14:48, 8 May 2011 (UTC)

Reduction Firing 2

This section, as well as oxidation reduction firing section are wandering far from the topic of raku ware. Information on firings might be more appropriate under an entry on kilns or firing. No other forms or styles of ceramics in wiki have information about firings. Additionally, the reduction firing is noted under the Western Raku section, which would be appropriate, since western-style raku is the only style that has reduction outside the kiln. I would recommend deleting Oxidation Reduction Firing and Reduction Firing 2. At the very least they should be brutally edited and perhaps a remaining sentence or two added to Western Raku. If someone feels a need to have this much detail under western raku reduction firings, perhaps they could create a new entry. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.246.209.194 (talk) 13:38, 3 April 2013 (UTC)

Oxidation reduction?

Aren't Oxidation and Reduction complete opposite processes it seems like the section is only talking about reduction. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Tyleryocum11 (talk • contribs) 16:37, 13 March 2017 (UTC)