Contemporary Raku

Covers such topics as the history and philosophy of raku, types of clay, forming techniques, firing, glazes and decoration. Types of kilns and kiln construction are also fully explained and the book includes a gallery of works from around the world along with updated clay and glaze recipes.

Contemporary Raku is a complete guide to this exciting, dramatic and beautiful art form. It explains the making, glazing and firing methods employed for producing Raku-ware, and features contributions and insights from leading makers. Recognizing the deeper values of the practice, the book also considers the influences and sources of inspiration behind the work of these makers. It introduces the necessary tools and equipment, and advises on essential health and safety measures. It explains how to make vessels and forms with step-by-step photo sequences. Recipes for clay bodies and glazes for the beginner and the more experienced maker are included. Details are given on the Raku-firing process and the range of kilns used. Finally, it explores the practice of 'Naked Raku'. With over 300 illustrations, it is a stunning and detailed account to this magical process.

Raku is an ancient ceramics technique enjoying a modern-day renaissance. This groundbreaking new entry in the highly successful 500 series demonstrates the vitality and invention of today's raku ceramics. Objects including cups, plates, bowls, vases, and statuary contribute to this international gallery of work juried by Jim Romberg, one of the leading practitioners and teachers of raku in the world."

The origins of raku can be traced back hundreds of years to Japan, where it was used as the traditional method of creating clay bowls for the tea ceremony. Over the years potters have embraced and adapted the methods, celebrating the remarkable but unpredictable results achieved using raku techniques.The author, who has specialized in raku for over twenty years, considers the origins of raku before offering over 300 glaze recipes. A selection of other potters also share their ideas, and with one hundred photographs of raku-fired pieces, Fired Up With Raku offers inspiration to all potters and is an invaluable source of information and advice for all ceramicists. Includes over 300 glaze recipes. Superbly illustrated with one hundred colour photographs of raku-fired pieces. Irene Poulton has specialized in raku firing for over twenty years and her work is exhibited in both Australia and the USA.

Slip, a form of liquid clay, has been used since ancient times to add color and texture to ceramics. Expert potter James Mathieson and forty of the world's best ceramic artists guide readers through basic slip formulation, application methods, and firing techniques.

You'll trace the history of Raku, from its Japanese origins through its introduction to the West, and delve into the techniques used by 50 contemporary Raku potters from around the world in this absorbing profile. Includes finished pieces, lavishly depicted in more than 170 photos.

In Raku: Investigations into Fire, David Jones examines contemporary work in the light of the three hundred and fifty year old aesthetic that led to its development. He demonstrates how this can still inform current expression. This book explores the movements of though and the transmission of knowledge across continents as the sparse details concerning this seductive technique were communicated. The processes characteristic of Raku particularly crackle and lustre development are examined and explained. Culminating in a questioning analysis of the contribution made by Raku to current practical and philosophical explorations into nature of clay and fire, this book is lavishly illustrated with images of new work and experiments with flame. AUTHOR: David Jones is currently a senior lecturer in the ceramics department at the University of Wolverhampton. His Raku fired ceramics have been exhibited and are in collections in Europe, Japan and USA. He is a fellow of the Craft Potters' Assoc. 200 colour photos

Harmony and Contrast provides a cross-cultural perspective on the art of Japan, China and Korea, focusing on the use of materials in art.