Naked Raku Vase (9.5 in / 24 cm tall)

Small Naked Raku Vase*.  

9.5 in x 5.5 in 
(24 cm x 14 cm)

This piece was thrown by me on a pottery wheel using using a white stoneware with a high porcelain content.  It was then trimmed to the final form and smoothed by hand using a stiff rubber rib to prepare the surface.  Once the piece is completely dry (before any firing), it is sprayed with several coats of a ultra-refined clay slip called terra sigallata. Between each layer I buff the surface with a soft microfiber cloth to reveal the shine.  This piece has an additional cobalt blue layers of terrasig at the bottom to give a subtle ombre effect. The process is called "naked raku" because the final form does not have glaze, or a sweater, so it's "naked."

The piece received an initial bisque firing so that it can be handled without breaking to prepare for the final firing. Next a "naked-Raku" slip layer is applied and immediately placed in a gas kiln outside. While the piece is still red-hot, it's placed into a metal reduction chamber with saw dust for a few minutes and then removed.  The slip layer is chipped off to reveal the surface you see here.  The piece is then carefully cleaned and sealed with a micro-crystalline wax.

*Please note that this is a "low fire" ceramic process,. The surface is still porous, so it is not considered water-tight or food safe.  This piece should only be cleaned with a dry, soft cloth. Please feel free to ask any questions about care and cleaning.