Raku Pottery: What is it? Technique, History & Accessories

Different, lively, unpredictable: That is Raku. Once you have dared to play with fire, you will never look at a kiln the same way again. At Formwerk Berlin, we introduce you to one of the most accessible and yet most fascinating techniques in ceramics. Learn everything about the process, the history, and the unique Raku effect.

If you are looking for reliable and high-quality pottery equipment, we recommend taking a look at our site – Formwerk Berlin.

What does "Raku" actually mean?

The Japanese word Raku (楽) can be translated as "joy," "satisfaction," or "pleasure." Originally, it was not a technical term, but a family name – specifically, the name of a pottery dynasty that still lives and works in Kyoto today.

The potter Chōjirō founded this lineage in the 16th century. His son Jokei received a golden seal with the character "Raku" from the powerful warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi as a personal honor – and the family has carried this name ever since. It is passed down from generation to generation, now into the 16th generation. "Raku" was, in a sense, a family-owned brand name long before it became the generic term for an entire firing technique and aesthetic.

A piece of history: The black Raku tea bowl "Suehiro" (16th century) comes directly from the studio of Chōjirō, the founder of the Raku dynasty. It embodies the ideal of simplicity that still defines the Japanese tea ceremony today. Source: "Tea bowl, named 'Suehiro', studio of Chōjirō" by Daderot, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.5.

When people talk about Raku today, they are usually referring to this very firing process, which originated in Japan in the 16th century and underwent its own unique evolution in the West during the 20th century.

The history: From the tea ceremony to the world stage

Raku begins with an encounter: the potter Chōjirō and the tea master Sen no Rikyū met in 16th-century Japan and together created something that still shapes the world of ceramics today. Rikyū was looking for tea bowls that embodied the spirit of Wabi-Cha – the ideal of quiet, unpretentious simplicity, far removed from the lavishly decorated Chinese imports that were in vogue in Japan at the time. Chōjirō formed these bowls by hand, fired them at relatively low temperatures, and thus created objects of almost ascetic simplicity.

The golden seal with the character for "Raku" was bestowed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan's most powerful rulers, upon Chōjirō's son – establishing the Raku family, which continues its tradition to this day in its 16th generation. The Japanese saying "ichi raku, ni hagi, san karatsu" – loosely translated: "first Raku, second Hagi, third Karatsu" – illustrates the prestige this ceramic enjoyed and continues to enjoy within tea culture.

The Japanese Raku Museum is located in the Nishijin district in the center of Kyoto and displays pieces from the Raku family's impressive collection.

In the West, Raku became known in the early 20th century through the British potter Bernard Leach, who had lived in Japan and studied the technique. However, the decisive further development came from America: in the 1960s, Paul Soldner began placing the glowing red pieces directly from the kiln into containers filled with combustible material – sawdust, straw, leaves. Thus, Western Raku was born, with its characteristic smoke marks, iridescent reduction effects, and black-stained craquelure network.

Japanese vs. Western Raku: The decisive difference

The essential difference lies in the cooling process. In traditional Japanese Raku, the pieces cool down in the air after firing – no smoking, no oxygen deprivation.

In Western Raku, as it is practiced today in most European pottery courses and studios, the pieces are removed from the kiln glowing red and immediately placed into a metal barrel or container with combustible material. The resulting smoke and the lack of oxygen – the so-called post-reduction – are what create the typical effects: iridescent glazes, deep black craquelure cracks, and smoky marks on unglazed surfaces.

The firing process step-by-step

In the West – and thus also for most potters starting with Raku in Germany today – the firing looks like this:

What makes Raku so special – and what should you know?

The unpredictable is the true heart of Raku. You can apply the glazes, choose the smoking materials, determine the moment of removal, but the result can never be fully planned. Copper oxide glazes can change from green to vibrant red or pink due to the reducing atmosphere. Carbon penetrates into the body through the hairline craquelure cracks, creating the characteristic black line pattern. Each piece is truly unique.

Experience Raku: More than just a firing technique. It is the play with the unpredictable that ultimately produces such unique surfaces and contrasts.

Regarding the clay: Always use heavily grogged clay, i.e., clay with added previously fired granules. This withstands the thermal shock when being removed from the glowing kiln much better than fine earthenware or porcelain clay. In addition, a wall thickness of about 1 cm has proven effective – walls that are too thin break easily when gripped with tongs.

There are clays intended specifically for Raku firing, such as the Witgert Rakuvaria Extrem White Clay (10 kg) with 60% grog content for maximum stability during rapid Raku firing.

Raku is well-suited for decorative objects, sculptures, and art pieces. For functional tableware – such as cups, bowls, mugs – the Western Raku technique is less suitable: the body remains porous because the glaze firing temperature is not high enough to fully sinter the clay. Furthermore, the craquelure network makes such pieces not food-safe and difficult to clean.

Important for safety: Raku is a technique with real risks. Red-hot ceramics, open fire in the smoking container, and escaping smoke gases require full protective gear – heat-resistant gloves, safety goggles, fireproof clothing. Always work outdoors or in very well-ventilated rooms. Raku is not for the kitchen or the living space. Please also note that some people find the smell of Raku firing to be very unpleasant. 

Kiln, burner & accessories: What you need

Raku is fired in a small, quickly heating gas kiln that has a large opening – so that the piece can be quickly removed with tongs. Electric kilns are theoretically possible, but for the true Raku effect with rapid heating and direct removal, gas kilns are clearly superior. The short firing time – often under an hour to reach the target temperature – also makes Raku more energy-efficient than long high-fire cycles.

The Kittec CBR Classic-Line was developed specifically for Raku firing and other rapid gas firings up to 1,150 °C.

With us, you will find the Kittec CBR Raku kiln in various sizes (41 to 179 liters) as a top-loader or front-loader – designed for up to 1,150 °C and specifically constructed for Raku use.

If you would like to build a Raku kiln yourself: A Raku gas burner with 20 or 30 kW (propane/butane) serves as the heat source, bringing the kiln to temperature reliably and quickly. For the gas connection, depending on your setup, you will need a cylinder connection or the 2-cylinder adapter for higher burner performance during longer sessions.

The temperature inside can be reliably read using the Kittec temperature display along with a thermocouple; for beginners especially, this is an important reference point, because while in Raku one primarily pays attention to the melting of the glaze, a temperature display makes orientation considerably easier.

The Raku Complete Package from the German manufacturer Kittec for building your own Raku kiln.

The Kittec Raku Complete Package contains the most important components for self-assembly, perfectly matched to one another. Additionally, there is also the Kittec Raku Box and further accessories: Raku accessories

The right clay for Raku

Not every clay can withstand the thermal shock of Raku firing without damage. You absolutely need a clay with a high grog content. In our range, you will find several proven options for this:

The Witgert Molorak Raku Clay White is specifically developed for Raku use and is considered one of the most robust options for thermal shock. The Witgert Rakuvaria offers slightly finer plasticity and is well-suited for working on the wheel. Even more robust under extreme conditions is the Witgert Rakuvaria Extrem. If you prefer a light, clean surface for glaze colors, choose the Sibelco Raku 5015 light. And the Witgert Stoneware No. 11 sf is a versatile body that is suitable for both Raku and stoneware firings.

Raku Checklist: What you need to get started

Conclusion: Raku as an entry into a different way of firing

Raku is not a technique for absolute beginners – you should already know how clay dries, what a bisque firing is, and how a kiln works. But once you have mastered these basics, Raku opens up a whole new dimension: fast, sensory, and vibrant. A firing process where you don't just collect the result, but are actively involved – with tongs, fire, and the comforting uncertainty of what will come out of the smoke next.

The Japanese word Raku means joy. Anyone who has tried it once understands why.

PS: In 2026, you will receive a 5% discount on kilns and Raku equipment from us with the code WELCOME5. Simply enter it at checkout, and the discount will be applied directly to the purchase price.

The Formwerk Berlin team wishes you much joy in your discovery and successful firings