Raku Pottery Vase by Marty Marcus
Marcus Studio11443 N Parkview DrMequon, WI 53092
The Raku process was developed in Japan in the sixteenth century in making tea ceremony ware. First a clay body is selected that is resistant to heat shock. A form is then created by the artist. Next, the form is bisque fired to a low temperature, in order to allow the clay body to obtain an open and porous structure with enough flexibility to withstand the intense heat shock of the next firing. At this time, a thin, copper based glaze is sprayed onto the piece. This is glaze mixed by the artist. The piece will be fired once again, only this time, it will be removed by the artist when the kiln reaches 1700 to 1800 degrees F. This is done with the use of metal tongs. The piece is placed on the ground where it is surrounded by combustible material, such as hay or sawdust, which ignite upon contact. Within a few minutes, the piece will be covered with a metal container in order to \"reduce\" it. \"Reduction\" means to deprive of oxygen and to quickly cool. This results in a surface rich in color and texture.
Dimensions:11\"(H) x 8\"(W) from the widest point

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