Raku Ware

pottery · Japanese art · tea ceremony

Pulled from flames. Raku potters remove their finished pieces from the kiln while they're still glowing hot, then let them cool in the open air. This dramatic technique creates unique colors and textures you can't get any other way.

Handmade and porous. Each raku piece is carefully shaped by hand, and the finished pottery has lots of tiny holes in it. This porosity actually makes the bowls perfect for holding hot tea without burning your hands.

Tea ceremony treasure. Raku bowls were traditionally made for Japanese tea ceremonies, where they became prized for their natural beauty and the artist's personal touch. A master's raku bowl can be worth a fortune.

Lead glaze magic. Raku potters use special lead-based glazes that create beautiful, unpredictable finishes when exposed to the heat of the kiln and the shock of cool air. No two bowls are ever exactly alike.