Anton offers an experience to remember. Starting in the early afternoon and continuing through to late evening, groups of up to 10 can follow the mystical process under Anton's guidance, starting with bisque-fired pottery of their choosing, and ending up with their very own unique raku piece, hand-glazed and fired by themselves. The experience is puctuated by glasses of wine in Starway's beautiful forest setting, and pizza fired in the kiln - the perfect way to make it!

The word Raku is a composite Japanese word meaning Peace, Tranquility, Enjoyment, and Spontaneity…

Raku firing was used by the Japanese Tea Masters to create unique tea bowls and other artifacts used in the Japanese Tea Ceremony. This aesthetically exquisite ceremony was used to inspire the guests to an experience of the God through Art.

At the centre of this ceremony is the tea bowl. The tea bowl, as was the total environment of the Tea Ceremony, was crafted to add to the atmosphere of the whole experience of the Tea Ceremony.

The bowl or pot is made using course material included in the clay so that it can withstand rapid changes in temperature or thermal shock.

The pot is then glazed using glazes that mature at a low temperature, ensuring in the process that the qualities required by the tea ceremony are part of the decoration.

The pot is then fired rapidly to 1000 degrees Centigrade, removed from the fire while red hot and placed in a container of combustible materials. This creates unique effects on the surface of the pot.

Traditionally there takes place a rapid cooling procedure where the pot is plunged into cold tea. This tests the piece and ensures that it loses its bell like qualities ands sounds softly into its chosen environment rather than ringing.

Ceramic artists around the world have now adopted this firing technique as a fine art medium.

RAKU EVENTS

Raku Events can be custom arranged for groups of up to 10 people.

10.00 am Light fires; talk about glazes; select pots;
                 prepare test tiles.
11.00 am Glaze decoration; test tiles; commit to fire
12.00 pm From test deductions; begin to glaze and
                 decorate first pots
1.00 pm   Break for lunch; discuss results; decide on new
                 decorations based on results
2.00 pm   Commence firing proper
4.00 pm   Assess results; tweak with lustre firings
5.00 pm   Polish; prepare for exhibition
6-7pm      Rest period
8.00 pm   Exhibtion opens with invited guests
                 Party starts
                 Pizzas served 8.30 till 9.30