Raku

by Branfman, Steven

• ISBN13: 9780873419116
• ISBN10: 0873419111
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-03-01
• Publisher: Krause Pubns Inc

Summary

This useful handbook guides beginning and intermediate potters through each stage of raku, from its origins and history to clays and glazes, instructions on firing, combustion and post-firing methods. The expanded 32 color pages complement additional information on slip resist/naked raku, raku saggar, fuming, vapor glazing and other related techniques.

Table of Contents

Foreword to the First Edition	7	(1)
Foreword to the Second Edition	8	(1)
Acknowledgments	9	(2)
Introduction to the First Edition	11	(2)
A Practical Approach	11	(2)
Introduction to the Second Edition	13	(2)
Frequently Asked Questions and Common Misconceptions About Raku	15	(153)
What Is Raku?	17	(7)
*Essay: Raku Revisited	21	(3)
Richard Hirsch
Raku: A Brief Historical and Philosophical Perspective	24	(6)
The Role of Tradition	24	(4)
The Aesthetics of Raku	28	(2)
Clay, Pottery Forming, Glazes, and Decoration	30	(37)
Clays	30	(19)
Pottery-Forming Techniques	49	(3)
Hand-Building	49	(2)
Throwing	51	(1)
Molded and Slipcast Ware	51	(1)
Bisque Firing	52	(1)
Glazes, Slips, and Color	53	(5)
First You See It, Then You Don't	58	(6)
Glaze Application and Decoration	64	(3)
Kilns	67	(51)
Electric Kilns and Raku	67	(3)
Fuel-Burning Kilns	70	(9)
Basic Combustion Theory	72	(3)
Gas-Fired Kilns	75	(4)
Wood-Fired Kilns	79	(1)
Coal-Fired Kilns	79	(1)
Kiln Construction	79	(38)
Building a Top-Loading Soft Brick Kiln	82	(5)
Building a Fiber Kiln	87	(5)
Recycling an Electric Kiln	92	(3)
Building a Wood-Fired Kiln	95	(19)
Building a Coal-Fired Saggar Kiln	114	(2)
Additional Kiln Building Tips	116	(1)
Protecting a Kiln from the Elements	117	(1)
Health and Safety	118	(5)
Safe Studio Practices	118	(1)
Raku and Personal Safety	119	(4)
The Firing Process	123	(30)
Initial Preparation	123	(2)
Stacking the Kiln	125	(2)
The Firing Cycle	127	(5)
Controlling Combustion and Temperature Rise	128	(2)
The Firing Schedule and Glaze Maturity	130	(2)
Removing Your Ware	132	(3)
Postfiring Technique	135	(4)
Reloading the Kiln and Subsequent Firings	139	(1)
Special Considerations for Electric Kilns	140	(1)
Advanced Postfiring and Decorative Techniques	140	(13)
Reduction Materials	142	(1)
Controlled Cooling	143	(2)
Halo Technique	145	(1)
Slip Resist/Naked Raku	146	(3)
Horsehair Raku	149	(1)
Copper Matt	150	(1)
Fuming	151	(2)
Finishing Your Ware	153	(3)
Cleaning	153	(1)
Repair	154	(1)
Surface Enhancement, Alteration, and Protection	154	(1)
Waterproofing	155	(1)
Related Techniques	156	(7)
Pit Firing	156	(2)
Sawdust [Smoke] Firing	158	(1)
Salt and Soda Firing	159	(1)
Fuming	160	(1)
Saggar Firing	160	(3)
Raku in the Classroom	163	(5)
Raku in Schools	163	(3)
Raku Workshops	166	(1)
Group Firings	167	(1)
Conclusion	168	(4)
Supplies and Materials	169	(1)
General Pottery Supplies	169	(1)
Specialty/Industrial Suppliers	170	(1)
Books	171	(1)
Other Supplies/Equipment	171	(1)
U.K. Equivalents for North American Materials	171	(1)
Bibliography/Suggested Reading	172	(2)
Index	174