Raku

Raku
Translated to Mean Joy of Contentment
Originating with the Japanese between the 14th to 16th century, the process has been modified by American ceramic artists. The work of Paul Soldner is recognized for originating post-fire smoking artwork, now known as American Raku.
“In the spirit of Raku, there is the necessity to embrace the element of surprise. There can be no fear of losing what was once planned and there must be an urge to grow along with the discovery of the unknown. Make no demands, expect nothing, follow no absolute plan, be secure in change, learn to accept another solution and, finally, prefer to gamble on your own intuition.” Paul Soldner

The raku process leaves the pieces porous and should be considered decorative - not for functional use - no water or food. Glazes with copper luster will continue to evolve and may tend to darken with age similar to fine silver and copper products.

Memory Keepers

We have created several raku pieces with baskets that hang inside the lid. The "basket" is used to hold a small piece of parchment on which you can write a special note - well wishes, commitments, thoughtful saying, and even regrets(!). This makes for an especially personal gift or personal piece for you collection


Wooden Bird Memory Keeper, Yellow Crackle & Shogun	Fall Tree Memory Keeper White crackle/Red bead lid 9 inches Click to enlarge	Blue Bird with stick Memory Keeper White crackle/Shogun lid 7x5 inches S	Flower Vine SOLD Clear Crackle over slip Carved pink flowers, leaves and purple berries (Click to see back)

Red Flower w/blue stone Yellow crackle, w/white crackle on lid red wood stick handle with blue stone inlay 8x6 inches	Raku Bamboo Memory Keeper White crackle & Shogun Blue w/bamboo handle; 9 inches ;	Red Bird with stick Memory Keeper White crackle/Shogun lid 7x5 inches Click to enlarge	Dove Memory Keeper, Yellow Crackle & Shogun 9 inches

Purple Crackle 5x7	Red Bird with stick Memory Keeper White crackle/Shogun lid 7x5 inches Click to enlarge	Face Vase Carved face white & yellow crackle Black Reduction 10x7 inches (Click to enlarge)	Samurai III Memory Keeper Yellow crackle/Shogun lid Beaded Front 8 inches

Interlocking Memory Keeper Yellow crackle, w/white crackle on lid Bamboo clay handle 7.5x7 inches	Lotus White crackle, w/copper lid; 3x6 inches SOLD	Tree of Life Yellow crackle, w/copper lid; 3x6 inches (Click for side view)	Ginkgo Crackle glazes, w/Imperial blue on lid; 3x6 inches

Windswept Tree in Blue Memory Keeper, Yellow Crackle & Blue Clear Crackle 9 inches Click to enlarge photo	Windswept Tree in Orange Memory Keeper, Yellow Crackle & Orange Clear Crackle 9 inchesC Click to enlarge photo enlarge photo	Windswept Tree in Purple Memory Keeper, Yellow Crackle & Purple Clear Crackle 9 inches Click to enlarge photo	Windswept Tree in Rose Memory Keeper, Yellow Crackle & Rose Clear Crackle 9 inches Click to enlarge photo

Samurai IV SOLD Memory Keeper Yellow crackle/Shogun lid Beaded Front 8 inches	Ganesha Memory Keeper White crackle 10.5x6 inches	Bamboo: White crackle, lidded clay bamboo handle, carved flower design; 5x8 inches	Samurai II Memory Keeper White crackle/Shogun blue 15 inches click to see back

Kirchmer Garden Studio

Unique ceramic forms & figures in Raku