Raku: A Practical Approach, 2nd Edition (Paperback)

~ Steven Branfman (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Raku is a pottery technique in which the ware is quickly fired, removed from the kiln while it is hot and the glaze is molten, and completed in a post-firing phase outside the kiln. This useful handbook guides beginning and intermediate potters through each stage of raku, from its origins and history to clays and glazes, instructions on firing, combustion, and post-firing methods. Dozens of recipes are included for clay bodies and glazes, as well as recommendations for using commercial products. Detailed information is provided for building or buying raku kilns, with troubleshooting guidelines for firing and kiln design issues.

Author Steven Branfman has expanded and updated his original edition, including more information on slip resist/naked raku, raku saggar, fuming, vapor glazing, and other related techniques, and many more photos.

- Complete instructions for successful raku pottery
- Expanded color photo section
- Dozens of clay body and glaze recipes plus recommendations for commercial products

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications; 2nd edition (March 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873419111
• ISBN-13: 978-0873419116
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #852,623 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is one of the most complete books on raku I have seen., September 26, 1997

By	[e-mail] (Rialto, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Raku: A Practical Approach (Paperback)

I have been a potter for many years and recently decided to build a studio with a kiln in my home. This book was of immense help. It gives detailed instructions and ideas for every aspect of raku from building a kiln (many choices) to mixing glazes and clays, designing a studio, teaching a workshop to health and safety concerns. It has much more practical information than any other book on raku that I have seen. As the author states in the beginning of the book, though, it is not for the novice. He assumes you already have a fundamental knowledge of the art of ceramics. I have recommended it many times to other potters. Margaret Gooding

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy reading, filled with detailed information, August 25, 2001

By	Robert T. Nicholson (Sunnyvale, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Recently I got the idea of replacing my current electric kiln, and converting the old kiln to a gas-fired rake kiln. I posted a question on the ClayArt mailing list asking for advice on how to do this. Every single reply refered me to Steve Branfman's book! I quickly bought a copy, and found it to be every bit as good as advertised. In an readable, conversational style, Steve covers a wide range of topics, including some history, glaze formulations, types of kilns, firing advice, and health & safety. Where needed, he gives very detailed and specific technical information (the section on determining BTU requirements for burners was *exactly* what I needed). He also provides great recommendations on sources and suppliers. For anyone who wants to get started, or go further, with raku, this is a great book.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Second Raku Bible, November 29, 2002

By	Gary Ferguson (Nampa, ID USA) - See all my reviews

This is the second Raku Bible that I have used and referred to repeatedly over the years. There is a short section on what Raku is and the history of Raku, but then it quickly moves into the guts of technical information on Raku. Branfman includes clay recipes (for those who are interested in actually mixing clay) and several glaze recipes with some details on how they perform.
The real meat of the book is on kilns, building kilns, and firing a Raku kiln. Branfman covers firing in both an electric and a gas kiln. He also details many plans and techniques for building your own Raku kiln. Branfman also details many variations of firing methods including reduction firing, piece removal, and post firing reduction methods. Sprinkled throughout the book are great examples of finished pieces using many different styles and techniques that I have used as a repeated source of inspiration. Overall, the book is a very excellent text that covers the practical aspect of the Raku art form.