Kirchmer Garden Studio

Unique forms in Raku
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Raku

Translated to Mean Joy of Contentment

 

Originating with the Japanese between the 14th to 16th century, the process entails opening the kiln when it reaches a temperature of 1825 degrees F. The red hot pots are then quickly removed with metal tongs.

Americans took the process further by placing the hot pieces into a "reduction atmosphere" using a metal can filled with burnable materials, such as, leaves, sawdust, pine needles and/or newspaper. The porous clay body then captures the smoke, and the glazes react by creating beautiful luster or unique smoke and crackle patterns.

 

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 wiht 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

 

 

 

Pottery marked OMA is available at the Oceanside Museum of Art Gift Shop

 

Available for Purchase

Description

 

Red Flower w/blue stone 

Yellow crackle, w/white crackle on lid

red wood stick handle with blue stone inlay

8x6 inches;

#09001

 

 
  

Interlocking 

Memory Keeper

Yellow crackle, w/white crackle on lid

Bamboo clay handle

7.5x7 inches;

#09002

OMA

  

Red Flower: 

Memory Keepers

Yellow crackle

Black Bamboo Handle

8x4 inches;

#09003 & #09004

 

  

Ganesha - Memory Keeper: 

White crackle

10.5x6 inches;

 

 

  

Raku "Longevity": 

White crackle w/black bamboo

7x6 inches;

 

 

  

Memory Keeper Jars: 

#09009 White crackle

#09010 Tin Can 

7x4 inches;

 

Bamboo:

White crackle w/lidded clay bamboo handle,

carved flower design; 

5x8 inches;

#08003

OMA

 

Chrysanthemum:

White crackle w/copper & red;

w/"memory keeper" hanger in lid; 

chrysanthemum flower carving and

Lake Tahoe wood handle

11x7.5 inches;

#08005

OMA

"Give me a little piece of your heart" lidded Jar:

White crackle w/carved hearts;

w/"memory keeper" hanger in lid; 

15x7 inches;

#07011

 

 

Raku "Periwinkle": 

Memory Keeper

White crackle w/black bamboo handle; 

7x6 inches;

 

  

 

Zen Windows: 

Yellow crackle; 

6x5 inches;

#08008, #08009, #08010(sold)

 

Red Flowers:

Memory Keepers

white & yellow crackle;

stick handles; 

6x4 inches

 

Pavilion:

White crackle, w/Imperial blue on lid; 

8x6 inches;

#08031

 

 

The Orange Stone:

Yellow & White crackle; orange stone; w/"memory keeper" hanger in lid; 

9x6 inches;

#08017

OMA

 

Lidded Spirit Jar:

White crackle/shogun blue;

reed stick handle,  

11x6.5 inches;

#07005