WHAT IS RAKU?

Our Raku artists work almost exclusively with this medium which is derived from an ancient Japanese form of firing pottery. The pieces are fired quickly in an outdoor kiln. When the glaze has melted they are removed, - red hot , - with tongs and placed in a container of combustible materials where they are allowed to cool. The unusual colors, and metallic finishes come from the smokey atmosphere generated during this rapid cooling process.

Each piece is hand crafted -- either thrown on the pottery wheel, made from clay slabs or a combination of both. Each Raku Artist's images are different -- one offers predominately California Quail, which are prevalent in Penticton while the other artist's images are of Herons and Loons found here and in other parts of British Columbia, Canada. These images are drawn into the clay when it is hard and glazes are carefully painted on after an initial firing.

It should be noted that Raku Vases should never contain water. If the owner of a raku vase wishes to display fresh flowers in the vase he/she should first insert a glass cylinder to hold the necessary water.
The work of the Raku Artists offered for sale at Terwilliger's is of "gallery" quality and much sought after by those who appreciate this medium.