These small saggar-fired vases are wheel thrown, burnished, fired once, then fired again wrapped in an elemental mix of raw oxides, fertiliser, steel wool, seaweed, and sawdust. When heated to temperature, these materials volatilise, interacting with each other to create patterns of great depth and intricacy in the raw clay. The effect is dramatic, which works will with the satiny burnished finish of the clay and the modern smooth forms.
As these pieces are hand thrown, and decorated with natural materials, each is absolutely unique, with subtle variations in size, shape and colouration. Sizes range from 10-12cm wide and 8-10cm high.
Small Saggar-fired Vase
Raku is an exciting ceramics process where the piece is taken from the kiln when the piece is glowing hot (approximately 1000C). It is then exposed to combustible materials, which react with the clay and/or glaze to create the fiery patterns that you see here. Given the unpredictable nature of the process, each piece is 100% unique, with the materials leaving their “fingerprint” on each pot. You can see videos of the process via Instagram and Facebook @brighentidesign.
*Please note that raku pieces are generally for decorative purposes only, and are not food safe or water-tight. A waterproof resin lining can be added for and additional fee and 48 hours to allow for application and curing.
