Horse Hair Burning and Raku Firing Pottery!

JTP 2023 schedule August epic pottery event – Aug 12-13 September 3rd September 22-24 – Art Wander October 1 -6pm restock November 5 -6pm restock November 24th Black Friday Restock December 1-3 ART MARKET – Downtown Mocha Monkey December 10th – 6pm restock ETSY Shop HERE : Raku Firing: Raku firing is a unique and ancient pottery firing technique that originated in Japan during the 16th century. The word “raku“ translates to “enjoyment“ or “pleasure,“ reflecting the spontaneous and unpredictable nature of this firing process. Raku firing is characterized by its rapid firing and cooling, resulting in striking and distinctive pottery pieces. The raku firing process typically begins with handcrafted pottery pieces, which are often made using a special clay body that can withstand the sudden temperature changes. Once the pottery is shaped and dried, it is placed in a small, gas-fired kiln and heated to a high temperature (usually around 1800°F or 982°C). The firing is relatively quick, taking only about 15 to 30 minutes to reach the desired temperature. At the peak temperature, the red-hot pottery is carefully removed from the kiln using tongs and placed into a container filled with combustible materials such as sawdust, straw, or leaves. The pottery ignites these materials, and the container is quickly sealed, cutting off the oxygen supply. This process creates an oxygen-reduction atmosphere within the container, which affects the glazes and clay body, leading to unique surface effects and colors. The thermal shock caused by the rapid cooling also influences the glaze and clay, resulting in crackle patterns, metallic lusters, and bold color variations. The unpredictability of raku firing ensures that no two pieces are ever identical, adding to the charm and allure of this firing technique. Raku-fired pottery is known for its rustic, earthy appearance, and the bold contrast between glazed and unglazed areas. It has gained popularity among contemporary potters for its expressive and experimental nature, allowing artists to embrace the serendipity of the firing process and create one-of-a-kind pieces of art. Horse Hair Pottery: Horse hair pottery is a unique and delicate pottery technique that involves using horsehair or mane hair to create intricate patterns on the surface of the pottery. This technique has Native American origins and is deeply rooted in the cultural and artistic history of various Indigenous tribes. The horse hair pottery process typically starts with handcrafted pottery pieces made from a clay body that can withstand the high firing temperature. After the initial firing, the pottery is still extremely hot when removed from the kiln, usually around 1600°F or 871°C. This is the crucial moment for the horse hair application. As the pottery piece is carefully taken out of the kiln, strands of horsehair, mane hair, or even feathers are gently placed on its surface. The heat from the pottery immediately causes the organic materials to burn and carbonize on contact, leaving behind a distinctive, delicate, and smoky pattern on the clay. The unique patterns created by the horse hair on the pottery are unpredictable and depend on various factors such as the hair’s thickness, placement, and the temperature of the pottery at the time of application. This serendipity adds an element of surprise and artistic flair to each piece. The final horse hair pottery pieces often display elegant black lines and smoky patterns set against the natural colors of the clay. The simplicity and beauty of horse hair pottery have made it a popular technique among contemporary potters seeking to connect with traditional craftsmanship and honor Indigenous artistic traditions. It also serves as a unique way to capture the essence of nature and the spirit of the horse within the artwork. ETSY Shop HERE : OUR NEW BOOK! : Mocha Monkey and Pottery Studio: Send me stuff or visit @ Jonthepotter 115 South Olive St. Waconia, MN 55387