The Japanese have been producing pottery and porcelain in various forms
since Neolithic times, around the 11th century BC. The word raku stems from
the site at which clay was dug in Kyoto in the late 16th century. Raku or
Rakuyaki is a traditional Japanese method of pottery making that uses
relatively low firing temperatures, causing the material to be quite porous.
Items are removed from the kiln while they are still glowing hot,
immediately dipped into cold water and then left to cool in the open air.
Raku bowls are considered to be the classic method of serving tea for
chanoyu, a Japanese tea ceremony. Influenced by Zen Buddism. This way of
showing hospitality can be simple and informal or more correct and
elaborate.
|
