Raku: Investigations into Fire (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "'Raku' is a most evocative word..." (more)
Key Phrases: David Jones, Japanese Raku, Sebastian Blackie (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Raku pottery, developed in Japan for use in the tea ceremony, was popularized in Western countries by British potter Bernard Leach. It involves low-temperature firing and sudden cooling, often with uncertain results. In this beautifully photographed book Jones discusses the techniques and the Zen philosophy of raku, illustrating his text with his own works and those of other studio artists. No specific projects are included but all aspects of rakuDhistory, materials, and firingDare covered in great detail. This book is highly recommended for all decorative arts and crafts collections.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

There is a marrying of ideas, process, and action in Raku that creates some of the most exciting forms of contemporary clay art. Raku: Investigations into Fire is a comprehensive study of this popular ceramic process. Its history is traced from its earliest beginnings in Japanese ritual to current preoccupations dealing with the relationship of clay, artist, and fire. The history of Raku provides a framework for understanding the most recent developments in materials and technology, while an analysis of design illuminates the ways in which new ideas are developed. There is also an extensive examination of the methods of generating the rich and seductive surfaces, as well as the most recent innovations in technology and process-all beautifully illustrated with 200 fine color photographs. This is an ideal book for both the beginner and the experienced practitioner.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 159 pages
• Publisher: Trafalgar Square Publishing (November 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 186126139X
• ISBN-13: 978-1861261397
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 8.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #226,383 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "Must have" book, May 9, 2000

By	I Poulton (Perth Western Australia) - See all my reviews

This book is well written by someone who obviously know their subject well. Easy to read and well illustrated. The book takes the reader on a journey from the beginng of the Raku process in Japan right through to the modern adaptions of the western world. The many examples shown are by some well known and some not so well known exponents of this exciting method of firing ceramics. The author gives recipes and showns some results of different ways of reduction.

The fantastic colour photographs alone are worth the price of the book. I would recommend this to every teacher of ceramics and a must have for every student.