History of Raku
Raku is a unique firing technique for pottery whose origins are linked to the ancient Japanese art of tea ceremony. This technique is deeply rooted in the Zen philosophy and related to the influence that Buddhism had on the Japanese culture.
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First developed in the 16th century, Raku pottery was originally prized for its simplicity and its intentional avoidance of opulence, both of which were important to the Zen philosophy.
The word “Raku” conveys the enjoyment of freedom and thus Raku pottery was intentionally built without function or utility. It is within these subtleties that Zen Masters found the evasive, yet robust beauty of Raku pottery and it is this uniqueness that makes Raku pottery so worthwhile to own. It is believed that the spirit of the maker is incorporated into the raku shape and is therefore revealed naked (unglazed) at the foot of each pottery piece. It is said that if we remain alert to ourselves, in examining the raku form, we will recognize our own spirit and meaning.
The Art of Imperfection
Freaky is the cracked plate or a bowl left aside because it doesn’t match the others any more. But for us, freaky has become more than just a word; it’s another way of approaching what is around us. Perfection doesn’t exist. In our opinion there are a variety of beautiful imperfections in nature which make things and people unique. Passing of time plays a fundamental role in this vision because it inevitably changes every single thing.
We are not saying anything new, the Japanese aesthetic concept of Wabi-sabi is based on the temporariness and on the imperfection of things. Nothing is perfect- Nothing stays forever- Nothing is incomplete. Beauty is linked with the transience of things and with the effect of time.
We find a perfect example of this kind of aesthetics in Raku pottery. Its technique and firing process is like an event where all the primordial elements such as water, air, earth, fire and ether combine together in equilibrium to create an object that is unique and priceless!
Every product in our collection has its own story, its own time and its own soul.
Raku - The Process
Combined with Terra Cotta pottery in Botswana, our Raku technique is truly African in style. The firing technique involves manual removal of the red-hot pottery from the kiln at specific temperatures and submerging it in different organic materials, like dry leaves, dung or sawdust.
This temperature shock produces fine cracks in the surface-glaze and the shouldering organic smoke penetrates deep into these cracks, producing most attractive, ancient looking irregular crackle effects. The shade of grey-black on the unglazed areas depends on the kind of material used, its temperature, colouring, moisture and the general weather when firing.
The charm and fascination of this technique lies however in these surprise-effects, which gives the pottery its unique look. Our designs are mostly inspired by African life and nature with all its shapes and textures and are never exactly repeated twice. Firing large, narrow-necked, thin or flat pieces is very difficult due to the stress on the material during the severe temperature shock. Besides, Raku is a risky and uncomfortable way of firing, with high breakages, unexpected outcomes and health-risks for the artists due to the acrid fumes.
Cracks that have occasionally penetrated through the actual clay body can be fixed by the medieval practice of allowing milk to sour in it (repeatedly if necessary) and then cleaning it before usage. This closes pores and fine cracks rendering the vessel waterproof.
Terra Cotta pottery uses only lead free and food approved glazes, and our pots can withstand domestic oven temperatures. Unglazed, smoked outer surfaces have been polished with clear wax. This can be repeated from time to time – if you wish- to keep up the smooth and lustrous appearance.
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Decoration Bowl
INR 7000.00
Decoration Bowl
INR 6000.00
Decoration Bowl
INR 7000.00
Decoration Bowl
INR 6000.00
Decoration Bowl
INR 6000.00
Decoration Bowl
INR 6000.00
Decoration Bowl
INR 6500.00
Decoration Bowl
INR 6000.00
Decoration Bowl
INR 6500.00
Decoration Bowl
INR 6000.00
Decoration Bowl
INR 6000.00
Decoration Bowl
INR 6500.00
Decoration Bowl
INR 6500.00
Decoration Bowl ( Restored)
INR 4200.00
Decoration Bowl
INR 6500.00
Flower Vase
INR 12000.00
Decoration Bowl
INR 8000.00
Decoration Bowl
INR 6500.00
Flower Vase
INR 9000.00
Decoration Bowl
INR 6500.00
Decoration Bowl
INR 8000.00
Decoration Bowl
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Flower Vase
INR 9000.00
Flower Vase
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Flower Vase
INR 12000.00
Flower Vase
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Decoration Bowl
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Flower Vase
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Napkin Holder
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Glass Jar
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Glass Jar
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Napkin Holder
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Glass Jar
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Glass Jar
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Jar with Lid
INR 11000.00
Jar with Lid
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Jar with Lid
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Jar with Lid
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Jar with Lid
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Lotus Bowl
INR 6000.00
Triangular Bowl
INR 4000.00
Turtle Bowl
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Ornamental Dome
INR 4800.00
Ornamental Dome
INR 4800.00
Ornamental Dome
INR 6000.00
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INR 4800.00
Ornamental Dome
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Ornamental Dome
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Bowl with Lid
INR 7500.00
Bowl with Lid
INR 4000.00
Bowl with Lid
INR 7500.00
Bowl with Lid
INR 7500.00
Decoration Bowl
INR 4500.00
Plate
INR 7000.00
Meditation Bowl
INR 4000.00
Meditation Bowl
INR 4000.00
Meditation Bowl
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Meditation Bowl
INR 4000.00
Meditation Bowl
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Pen Stand
INR 2200.00
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Bowl
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Bowl
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Bowl
INR 4000.00
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INR 4000.00
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INR 4000.00
Bowl
INR 4000.00
Bowl
INR 4000.00
Plate
INR 5000.00
Plate
INR 7000.00
Plate
INR 5000.00
Plate
INR 5000.00