'Raku Hearts' by Annabel

The Raku firing process is hot, unpredictable, smokey and exciting. It was originally a Japanese low-firing process involving removing pottery from the kiln while at bright red heat and placing it into bins with combustible materials.  Once ignited, containers are closed and the heat and smoke work its magic. Typically, raku fired pottery has a crackle effect and often the colours oxidise giving coppery, lively surfaces. Raku fired ceramics are decorative and not suitable for food or liquids as they are porous and may have lead in the glaze.