Ceramics Books and Magazines

6 reviews
Sales Rank: 553164

Media: Paperback
Edition: 2
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 176
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 10.8 x 8.2 x 0.4

ISBN: 0873419111
Dewey Decimal Number: 738.14
UPC: 083222009112
EAN: 9780873419116

Publication Date: March 2001
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Brand new. Gift Quality. Standard shipping ships in a box, with delivery confirmation. Out of Print.

Also Available In:

•	Paperback - Raku: A Practical Approach (Ceramics)
•	Hardcover - Raku: A Practical Approach
•	Paperback - Raku: A Practical Approach

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Editorial Reviews:

Product Description
Raku is a pottery technique in which the ware is quickly fired, removed from the kiln while it is hot and the glaze is molten, and completed in a post-firing phase outside the kiln. This useful handbook guides beginning and intermediate potters through each stage of raku, from its origins and history to clays and glazes, instructions on firing, combustion, and post-firing methods. Dozens of recipes are included for clay bodies and glazes, as well as recommendations for using commercial products. Detailed information is provided for building or buying raku kilns, with troubleshooting guidelines for firing and kiln design issues.

Author Steven Branfman has expanded and updated his original edition, including more information on slip resist/naked raku, raku saggar, fuming, vapor glazing, and other related techniques, and many more photos.

- Complete instructions for successful raku pottery
- Expanded color photo section
- Dozens of clay body and glaze recipes plus recommendations for commercial products

Customer Reviews: Read 1 more reviews...

3 out of 5 stars

great handbook for raku November 30, 2007
2 out of 4 found this review helpful

Long considered a handbook of raku, Raku; A Practical Approach details a myriad of topics pertaining to this method of firing.

*Glaze recipes for many different raku effects
*Extended chapter on kiln design, construction and operation
*Information on how to do raku safely in a school or workshop environment.

Raku, a ceramic process originating in Japan, involves taking a pot from the kiln with special tools at the height of the glaze firing, and putting it into a metal container filled with combustible materials. This is a dramatic operation, requiring a team of people, all garbed safely and moving in time to the firing schedule. It results in red hot ware clutched in tongs being carried from place to place- often bursting into flame as the pots contact the combustible leaves, sawdust or shredded paper. As you might imagine, there is much preparation that leads to this firing.

Raku; A Practical Approach details the whole process of producing raku pottery.

5 out of 5 stars

Raku: A Practical Approach January 15, 2006
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

A complete resource for raku firing. Specific technical information for kiln construction, as well as photos, glaze recipes and much discussion about experimental materials for reduction. If you had only one book to learn about raku tecniques,this should be the one.

5 out of 5 stars

The Second Raku Bible November 30, 2002
22 out of 23 found this review helpful

This is the second Raku Bible that I have used and referred to repeatedly over the years. There is a short section on what Raku is and the history of Raku, but then it quickly moves into the guts of technical information on Raku. Branfman includes clay recipes (for those who are interested in actually mixing clay) and several glaze recipes with some details on how they perform.
The real meat of the book is on kilns, building kilns, and firing a Raku kiln. Branfman covers firing in both an electric and a gas kiln. He also details many plans and techniques for building your own Raku kiln. Branfman also details many variations of firing methods including reduction firing, piece removal, and post firing reduction methods. Sprinkled throughout the book are great examples of finished pieces using many different styles and techniques that I have used as a repeated source of inspiration. Overall, the book is a very excellent text that covers the practical aspect of the Raku art form.

5 out of 5 stars

Easy reading, filled with detailed information August 26, 2001
21 out of 21 found this review helpful

Recently I got the idea of replacing my current electric kiln, and converting the old kiln to a gas-fired rake kiln. I posted a question on the ClayArt mailing list asking for advice on how to do this. Every single reply refered me to Steve Branfman's book! I quickly bought a copy, and found it to be every bit as good as advertised. In an readable, conversational style, Steve covers a wide range of topics, including some history, glaze formulations, types of kilns, firing advice, and health & safety. Where needed, he gives very detailed and specific technical information (the section on determining BTU requirements for burners was *exactly* what I needed). He also provides great recommendations on sources and suppliers. For anyone who wants to get started, or go further, with raku, this is a great book.

5 out of 5 stars

Raku A Practical Approach May 13, 2000
17 out of 17 found this review helpful

A very good resource for anyone who is interested in the Raku process. I would not recommend this book for novice Raku artists because of the technical terms used in the book. The author does expect you to know varios technical terms. I found this book very hepful to me as I have been a Raku artist for 2 years. This book is easy to read and the photos are great. There are also a few glaze recipes that I enjoyed experimenting with.

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