Raku Firing

A few weeks ago a dear friend asked me to her home to take part in a night of raku firing. Diane is a potter who loves exploring new techniques and mastering her craft. She goes to great lengths to learn and perfect every aspect, even to the extent of making her own kiln.

Raku is Japanese meaning “enjoyment,” and dates back to the 16th century. Raku pottery involves a glazing and firing process in a kiln with temperatures reaching as high as 1800°F.  The glaze creates a unique bronzed finish in the pottery in the reduction chamber, then a post fire processing draws the oxygen out of the pottery.

Patterns and colors are unpredictable since they are created through this natural process of oxygen removal. We experimented with a number of natural enhancements melting feathers, horse hair and leaves on the pottery while it was still red hot. The items burned off against the surface of the pottery leaving their indelible patterns on the clay.

After the firing is complete, the pottery is dunked in water to "freeze" the patterns. The reason the clay doesn’t crack under the drastic temperature change is that it is specifically designed to withstand thermal shock.

Witnessing the fiery mystery of raku as evening fell in the backyard accentuated the mystique of this ancient art form. Mosquitos came out and nibbled at our elbows and ankles but we kept working, engrossed in the process, unwilling to abandon our creations. The volcanic glow of the kiln, the heat of inhuman temperatures, and the sudden freezing and hissing of the pottery seemed like an alien encounter in the night.

I couldn’t help but think of God and how the breath of his nostrils created the universe. By the power of his word he called galaxies forth and in the end he will also melt this world with a fiery judgment.

As we come before him we are humbled in his presence, reduced as in a great reduction chamber. The Lord melts away the dross, purges, and cleanses. Under his divine touch and the tutelage of his Word, we are forever imprinted.

When the Almighty touches us by the power of his Spirit he leaves an indelible mark on our souls. Every life is uniquely stamped and there are no two pieces alike. This is his purpose and it is magical, beyond our understanding. We are being transformed into his image, prepared for glory! This is the joy of creation. I am fearfully and wonderfully made and God makes all things new!

Though we face hard times and pass through dark trials in the night of our soul, our Creator is not willing to sleep or abandon the work of his hands. He labors to finish what he has begun and will continue faithfully until time has run its course and we are dressed as a bride, complete in him. Thus, being fully prepared, without spot or blemish, we will be presented as a trophy of his grace for all eternity. Glorious!

God says, I will complete the good work I have begun in you until the Day of my appearing. Though night is coming, live as children of the day. Stand fast and be pure, even in times of trial. I am refining you that your faith may be made strong. Persevere and you will receive the crown of life.