So, these two pieces have just come out of the Raku firing.
Not the best picture of them, but I can't find the final pictures *anywhere*!!!

Sorry for the long explanationg but i lovelovelove! this process and for those interested it would be great to try if you have the resources!!

The Raku firing process consists of firing the clay pieces to a lower heat than normal, then glazing them with Raku glaze. You then fire the piece sin a Raku kiln at incredibly high temperatues (i can't remember the exact figures)
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Once fired, they are taken straight out of the kiln, red hot and placed in dry sawdust, which catches light, the way the pieces have been fired allows the pores in the clay to open up and the clay can be blackened by the ash left by the burning sawdust.
After however much time the artist wants (not too long otherwise the temperature would have dropped too much) the pieces are taken out of the sawdust and slipped quickly into cold water. The shock to the system seals in the ash, but is prone to causing the clay to crack under the pressure.
The glaze acts as a mask, so the clay under it remains unaffected by the fire.


And comments would be much appreciated, I'll try and get better pictures soon!!! thanks.