Hannah Hunter

Raku

What is Horsehair raku pottery? The raku part is an ancient Japanese ceremonial method of firing pottery. We in the west have taken raku to new levels of exploration. I am firing the partially glazed pieces to 1750 degrees Fahrenheit. Upon cooling to 1250 F, I remove the piece from the kiln with tongs and protective clothing. I sit the piece on newspaper and put paper inside to turn the bottom and inside black. Now for the horsehair part, I place the long hairs from the horse's tail against the hot pot. It combusts, leaving the carbonization of the horsehair squiggled on the side of the piece. Then I fume areas of the piece to get the warm amber color. This is hot work, but worth the beautiful results. I love the look of antiquity that raku imparts. Each piece is thrown on the potter's wheel. They are signed, numbered and titled.

Would you like your own horse's hair on one of these pots? I would be happy to take orders in the same designs you see here, at the same price as marked. A 25% down payment and your horse's tail hairs will give you your own special memorial to your horse. If you have a time constraint, then talk to me first.