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Wood Ash Platter
Anagama-fired Stoneware (13") The very first ceramics ever fired were probably fired (accidentally)
in camp fires and rudimentary kilns thousands of years ago. The earliest known
kilns were developed in Japan – traditionally know as
an Anagama Kiln. The beauty of Anagama-style firing lies in the natural ash glazes
that can be achieved and in the excitement of the long firing itself, appreciated by many potters all over the world. Anagama kilns use wood for both fuel and the glazing process. As the wood burns, ash is created, which then deposits on the pots, creating a natural ‘wood ash’
glaze. These natural glazes are made from silica, potash, calcium, and other
various ingredients that form naturally through the burning of wood. Different
sections of the kiln may produce different colorations on the pots as the flames and ash caress them differently. There are many different designs
for the Anagama kiln itself, not only in Japan, but on other
continents. Also, there are different methods of firing and stacking the pots. No two firings are ever exactly alike. The Anagama kiln will usually consist of one
long firing chamber with a firebox at one end and the flue at the other. They
are traditionally built on a slope so that a better updraft can be achieved. Firing
time can vary from one day up to several weeks.
Art washes away from the Soul the dust of
everyday life.
~Pablo Picasso
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Sake Bottle & Cups
soda-fired porcelain (height 7")
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Commissioned Art Deco Vases
raku-fired porcelain (height 7", 10", 12")
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Jessica's Bowls
porcelain (diameter 7", 9")
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Blue
Azuor Bud Vase
porcelain (height 5")
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Lavatory Set
porcelain (6
pieces)
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Stackable
Tea Bowls & Jar
porcelain (height 10")
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Minoan Inspired Platter
raku-fired stoneware (14") Raku firing originated in Japan in the 16th
century, where raku vessels were and still are used in the traditional tea ceremony. The
name “Raku” was bestowed on Jokei, the son of a Korean immigrant potter living in Kyoto. Jokei’s father, Chojiro, was chosen by the Emperor, to produce special vessels
for the Zen Buddhist tea ceremonies. Chojiro with help of the Tea Master, Senno-Rikyu
(AD 1522-91), created a type of low-fired, soft bodied ware for tea bowls. The
Raku pottery was carefully chosen as it paralleled the philosophy of the Zen Buddhist: unpretentious, natural and spiritual. The Buddhist Masters believe that the spirit of the maker is embodied in the pottery. The underside of the pottery is left unglazed and natural, connecting the maker’s
spirit and the owner. For his pottery, he was honored with a gold seal for the
character “Raku”. Raku then became the name of the family that produced
the wares. The Raku family is now in its 15th generation of continuous
potters. They have maintained the traditional values of Raku, both aesthetic
and spiritual. Raku symbolizes contentment, pleasure, enjoyment and a direct
and honest approach one should have toward the external elements in order to reach enlightenment. Raku is a low-fire technique where bisqued work is quickly heated to red hot temperature and then
taken out of the kiln and reduced in wood shavings, newspaper or a similar combustible material. Raku ware is often decorated with low-fire glazes, which usually contain a lot of frit. The clays used for this firing technique contain a high percentage of grog (which is previously fired clay
that is ground down and mixed in with the unfired clay). Grog allows the work
to be able to withstand the high temperature fluctuations, although this doesn’t mean that other clays can’t be
used. This process is very exciting as it battles the elements of fire and smoke.
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