Artyard Studio - Raku Pottery Care

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“Raku firing is an exciting and unpredictable pottery firing method that originated in Japan. This technique involves removing pottery from the kiln while it's still glowing hot and rapidly cooling it, resulting in distinctive crackles and metallic finishes.

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Horse hair burning is an ancient pottery technique that involves applying horse hair or other natural materials to the surface of hot pottery. As the hair comes into contact with the hot clay, it carbonizes, leaving behind mesmerizing, delicate patterns.”

CREATING MY HORSEHAIR POTTERY

Horsehair pottery is a method of decorating ceramic pottery using the mane and tail hair of horses. Typically, a lower temp fire clay is used to create a vessel or sculpture to be decorated. It is removed from the kiln typically around 800-1100 degrees Fahrenheit and the horsehair, feathers, other organics are applied to the piece. At this temperature the horsehair immediately combusts, fuses to the pot and the carbon matter infused into the ceramic. The pattern that each piece of hair creates, as it infuses itself into the clay vessel/sculpture is completely unique. This makes every piece of horsehair raku art pottery completely unique and impossible to replicate.

ORIGIN OF HORSEHAIR POTTERY

The origin of horsehair pottery is not known for sure but there is a story of a Native American Pueblo women that accidentally created the technique. As she was removing clay pots from her kiln the wind blew her hair and it marked the hot pot. The hair created a pattern on the pot. This intrigued the women and so she tried using other materials such as straw, feathers and horsehair. Horsehair created the most dramatic patterns and thus horsehair pottery was born.

Another story tells of Native Americans creating horsehair pottery to honor and immortalize some of their greatest horses.

Regardless of its origin, every piece of Horsehair pottery is a unique piece of artwork that can never be replicated.

HORSEHAIR POTTERY GALLERY

Below are some pieces of horsehair pottery that we have created in the past. We will be adding photos as time permits. If you would like to see what horsehair pottery we currently have for sale, click this (future link)

We have pieces of Raku pottery available to purchase at our store (by appointment only) and at art festivals. These instructions apply to our specific Raku pottery pieces.

• These are decorative pieces.
• These pieces are NOT safe for food or drink.
• They should NOT be used to hold water - such as using for live flowers.
• Do NOT place them in direct sunlight. - The finish and patina achieved with these pieces is delicate. Direct exposure to sunlight over an extended period of time can cause the finish to fade.

To use Raku Pottery as a vase, place a separate water-safe container inside the pottery and fill that with fresh flowers.

• Only clean with a feather duster or a soft, dry brush/cloth.
• Do not use any water, soap, or cleaning solutions.

Feel free to contact us if you have additional questions. With proper care, these pieces will last for many years. Enjoy your piece - it is one of a kind and has been made with much love.