Imagine a world where clay transforms into captivating works of art, where fire dances with creativity, and tradition melds with innovation. Welcome to the enchanting realm of Raku pottery, a centuries-old Japanese art form that has captured the hearts of artists, collectors, and enthusiasts across the globe. In this journey through the history, techniques, and contemporary interpretations of Raku, we'll embark on an adventure that ignites the senses and sparks the imagination.
A Time Machine to the 16th Century
Let's rewind the clock to the 16th century in Japan, where the stage was set for Raku pottery to make its grand entrance. Picture this: Sen no Rikyū, a master of the Japanese tea ceremony, is on a quest for the perfect tea bowl to elevate his ceremonies to a new level of zen-like simplicity. He commissions Chōjirō, a skilled tile-maker, to craft hand-moulded tea bowls that would become the heart and soul of these cherished gatherings.
These early tea bowls, initially dubbed "ima-yaki" or "contemporary ware," were not just any clay creations. They were molded from a special red clay known as Juraku, adding a dash of earthy charm to each piece. But what's in a name? Well, in this case, the name "Raku" was born from a seal presented to Chōjirō's son, Jokei, by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The seal bore the Chinese character for "Enjoyment," and thus, the Raku dynasty and their unique pottery style came to life.
Fast forward to the present day, and Raku Kichizaemon XVI is carrying the torch, maintaining the legacy of the Raku family and their exceptional ceramic creations. Alongside this main act, various branches of the Raku tradition have flourished, birthing renowned kilns like Ōhi-yaki (Ōhi ware). This wasn't just a family affair; Raku pottery was an art form that permeated society. In the 18th century, the secrets of Raku ware spread like wildfire thanks to manuals, allowing professionals and amateurs alike to get their hands muddy and their creative juices flowing in Kyoto and beyond.
The Heroes of the Kiln
No tale of Raku pottery would be complete without honoring the trailblazers who added their unique brushstrokes to this artistic canvas. Among these luminaries was Dōnyū, Chōjirō's own grandson. Imagine the pressure of following in the footsteps of a legend, but Dōnyū rose to the occasion, contributing to the ongoing saga of Raku ware.
Then there was Hon'ami Kōetsu, whose name is synonymous with beauty and refinement. A potter, calligrapher, and artist, Kōetsu's work graced many tea ceremonies, enriching the cultural tapestry of Japan.
Ogata Kenzan joined the party with his own distinctive style, becoming the life of the artistic soirée. His legacy, like those of his predecessors, added depth and diversity to the world of Japanese pottery.
Raku’s Western Odyssey
While Raku pottery's roots are firmly planted in Japanese soil, its branches reached across oceans and continents, capturing the imaginations of artists far from the land of the rising sun.
Enter Bernard Leach, an Englishman with a taste for adventure and a penchant for pottery. Leach stumbled upon the magic of Raku firing at a party in 1911, and it was love at first sight (or touch). Upon returning to England in 1920, he couldn't resist the siren call of Raku, and the technique began to take root in the West.
But wait, the plot thickens! The popularity of Raku pottery dimmed after the 1930s in the Western world. It seemed like the flames of this fiery art form were dwindling.
However, a phoenix was about to rise from the ashes in the late 1950s in the United States, and its name was Paul Soldner. With a bold reinterpretation of Raku, the Western approach diverged significantly from its Japanese counterpart. Forget the serene tea ceremonies; in the West, they cranked up the heat. Wares were fired at high temperatures, only to be thrust into open-air containers filled with combustible materials. It was a departure from tradition that set the artistic world ablaze.
The Fiery Alchemy
Let's demystify the secret sauce of Raku pottery: the firing process. Traditional Japanese Raku involves plucking the fired piece from the kiln while it's still red-hot and allowing it to cool in the open air. It's like catching a shooting star and watching it cool in your hands.
Now, picture this in the Western version: combustible materials are thrown into the mix, igniting a fiery dance of colors and textures. The kiln's temperature, timing, and the specific glaze ingredients all play their parts in this dramatic performance.
Speaking of glaze ingredients, Raku glazes are like a magician's potion, containing metallic compounds such as copper, iron, and cobalt. These metals, each with its own personality, react to temperature changes in distinct ways, conjuring vibrant colors and patterns out of thin air.
But here's where the Western twist comes in: reduction firing. In this act, the kiln's atmosphere is filled with combustible materials, and the container is sealed shut. This magical process sucks oxygen from the glaze and clay, like a vacuum cleaner of artistic potential. The result? Unveiling the dramatic contrasts, turning unglazed areas black, and revealing mesmerizing surface patterns.
Designing with Raku: The Art of Possibility
What sets Raku pottery apart is the boundless space for creativity. It's like having an infinite palette of colors and textures to paint your imagination. Here are some of the artist's tools in the Raku arsenal:
Wax Resist: Think of this as the grand reveal in a magic show. Artists apply wax resist to the bare clay, creating intricate designs that resist glaze application. As the piece dances in the kiln, the wax melts away, and carbon takes its place, leaving behind striking patterns that seem almost otherworldly.
Crackle Glazes: These glazes are like a treasure map of textures. They contain metallic compounds that react to temperature changes, producing the enchanting surface cracking known as crazing. Timing is everything here, as artists must orchestrate the temperature dance to achieve the desired effects.
Copper Matte Glazes: This is where chemistry meets artistry. Swiftly moving the piece from the kiln to the reduction chamber enhances reduction, coaxing vibrant colors from the glaze. The result can range from a matte, earthy finish to a glossy, shimmering masterpiece.
Naked Raku: In this daring act, sections of the pottery remain unglazed. After the fiery ordeal in the kiln, the piece is thrust into open air, and horsehair is strategically applied. The horsehair burns like an artist's signature, leaving behind striking linear markings that tell a story of the flames and the artist's touch.
To sum up, Raku pottery is a journey that's part history, part creativity, and a sprinkle of magic. From Chōjirō's tea bowls to Paul Soldner's fiery experiments, it's a story where tradition meets innovation, and artists push boundaries like kids testing the limits of a new playground.
So, when you hold a Raku piece, remember it's not just pottery; it's a slice of history and a canvas for creativity that's as enchanting as a fairy tale. In the world of Raku, the flames of the past light the way for today's artists, inviting us all to join in the magical journey of clay, fire, and artistic expression.
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The main image is of a Black Raku Teabowl 'Shorei' (Aged Pine) with a Crane Design, which featured at LACMA.
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