Raku handbook;: A practical approach to the ceramic art - Hardcover

Dickerson, John

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0442220928 ISBN 13: 9780442220921

Publisher: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co, 1972

Synopsis

Raku is the most exciting and deeply involving of all ceramic techniques. Traditionally it was developed in 16th and 17th century Japan for the production of utensils for the Tea Ceremony, which was itself probably the most comprehensive and evolved aesthetic experience ever devised by man. In an age of social disorder, violence and mental stress Raku and the Tea Ceremony, together with their links with Zen Buddhism, offered a means of escape and opened up new possibilities for attaining personal significance and a meaningful existence through an involved and positive approach to life. It is these very ideals that have led to a rise in popularity of Raku as a creative experience in our own century. This book describes how an internationalized version of Raku can offer rich rewards at little cost other than personal involvement. Although similar to other types of pottery in basic theory, Raku is radically different in technique and approach, the main differences occurring in the firing and glazing techniques. Raku bravely rejects the caution and impersonality of more usual firing methods and boldly accepts direct ordeal by sudden fire as an ultimate test of both pot and maker. Results are exciting, dramatic, and personal. The RAKU HANDBOOK describes in detail the clays and the forming, firing, glazing and decorating techniques that make successful Raku. Much of the text is in clear tabular form and complemented with helpful diagrams, together with photographs of Raku pots in all stages of their development. John Dickerson studied Art History, Ceramics and Painting at several famous universities. For the seven years leading up to the publishing of this book, he was involved in the specialist study of Raku including a period of study in Kyoto with the Raku family. His own work has been represented in exhibitions and collections in Britain, the USA, Australia, japan, and Sweden.

About this edition

• Publisher: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co
• Publication date: 1972
• ISBN 10: 0442220928
• ISBN 13: 9780442220921
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 112