These pot get their surface decoration by smoke and other materials rather than glaze. The pieces are placed in a metal trash barrel filled with sawdust and often random materials to leave surface markings (copper wire, salt, ferns and leaves). The pots are dispersed throughout, and the top of the sawdust is lit on fire. It burns for 15-30 minutes, then the flame goes out and the barrel continues to smolder. The way the smoke moves through the barrel and around the pots leaves the markings you see.
This particular piece was enclosed in a foil saggar inside of the sawdust barrel. Wrapped inside the foil with it was a bit of sawdust, cobalt and copper. This was my favorite piece from that particular firing, with its colorful teal-gray patch splotched right between bold sections of black and white. There are also the random markings left by the smoke around the piece. Each side is unique and interesting.
Be sure to check out one of my sawdust pots on page 125 of Mastering Raku, Lark Publications next time you're at the library or book shop!
Have any questions?
Contact the shop owner.
