Raku is an old and very fascinating Japanese technique that includes a very special firing process. As I had the possibility to practise this technique during my studies at university I wanted to learn more about the history behind it. The book “wabi sabi – the Japanese art of impermanence” by Andrew Juniper contains some historical information about Raku.

The technique was developed by a roof tile maker named Chojiro. The Japanese tea ceremony master Rikyu noticed the visual qualities of the low fired roof tiles and commissioned rakuware an alternative to tea utensils. Raku means pleasure and was determine for the identification of a Japanese potter as an artist. (Andrew Juniper, 2003,79-81) The Japanese philosophy of perfection in imperfection has influenced my artwork in many ways.