FAQs Care for Raku

A lot of the Raku done today is for decorative use.  Since there are different types of raku, and I don't know which ones you specifically refer to I will answer in a generic way.  A low fire clay body is used which does not allow for holding water.  Therefore, raku ware would not be good for planters and should not be used for dinnerware.  Many Raku glazes contain copper.  The use of which creates a beautiful but fragile flash of color on the piece.  If the content of copper in a glaze is high, it can patina over
time, particularly if left in bright sunlight. I have a piece with a copper flash that has lasted for ten years, but the piece is kept in my living room which is dry and away from sunlight. A gently brushing with a shoe brush, is
recommended to remove dust from pieces finished with a dry copper matt glaze. Raku, fired without copper, the white and black variety and the naked raku marked with smoke patterns are relatively free from problems.