Talk:Raku ware

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After doing some reasearch on the internet about Ogata Kenzan I do understand that he was not doing rakuyaki himself but created his own style called kenzan-yaki. Since there is no reference that can back up the statement Ogata Kenzan was one of the best-known raku potters I think it is save to remove it.

References:

cheers, --synthetik 06:57, 1 Aug 2003 (UTC)

Contents

[edit] Western Raku

The discussion of Western raku contained some minor gaps and inaccuracies, primarily in the discussion of the firing methods and times. This is based partially on my own experience of doing raku firings, and confirmed by further research.

Reference:

  • Peterson, Susan. The Craft and Art of Clay. The Overlook Press, Woodstock, NY, Second Edition 1996. ISBN 0-87951-634-8.

C whitney 17:37, 11 September 2005 (UTC)

This is an evolving western technique and our description should reflect that variability, if possible. Every modern Raku potter, I know (including me!) does things a little differently from the next guy. You should see some of the variations of method in our group studio alone! We work primarily in a groggy gray stoneware and fire about 1900 degrees F, but other nearby potters work in a smooth earthenware and fire at much lower temperatures. So, please add your information and what methods you prefer, but let's work on reflecting the flexibility of the technique for western artists. Thanks. WBardwin 02:42, 13 September 2005 (UTC)

I added a bit about the purpose of the reducing chamber; the source is Paul Soldner himself (I was a student of his 1989-1992). Western raku was simultaneously invented by another, lesser-known potter and introduced at the same conference in the mid-60's. Unfortunately, I have this all as an anecdotal story from Paul and I don't think it's included in any of his books, so I'm not inserting it into the article. Some of the details may be wrong, and this is currently one of the best-written short articles I've seen on wikipedia. Jberkus 06:08, 22 October 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Images

Anyone have a nice image of a Japanese tea bowl - historic or modern? I could probably come up with some Western raku images. Thanks. WBardwin 08:41, 2 Mar 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Re: Images

The only tea bowl images I have are copy-righted images from books.

If you'd like pictures of Western raku pots, we have many that you can take your pick from. btw - thanks for differentiating between traditional and western raku techniques.  :)

- David

[edit] Link to commercial raku artists

I made a revision to the Raku page by adding a link to an artist's web site that had a collection of raku vessels. The reference was intended for informational purposes, but was deleted because it was a "commercial link." The page did have prices next to the vessels. The work in question is a unique representation of the western raku style, and has won many awards. What if there was a separate page without prices? There is another link to an artist (Janice James) who sells raku masks at galleries, but does not sell them online - is that commercial?

Wiki policy is quite firm about commercial sites tied to the articles in the encyclopedia - they do not see themselves as a free advertising site. So, usually, sites with prices and mechanisms to place orders are included in that commercial category and will be deleted. If there is a page without prices (perhaps only showing the value of the piece) and the ability to place orders, it is usually OK to place a link. Or, if the artist and photographer is willing to release a photograph of a piece from copyright, it would be very welcome in the article. The James' site is on the edge, in my opinion, and I will expect someone else to challenge and delete it in the future. Best wishes. WBardwin 05:09, 8 January 2006 (UTC)
This issue keep recurring -- should we delete all commercial sites and leave only museums/govt collections? Have a seperate section in the article which lists modern raku practitioners -- with selected sites? Ideas to deal with problem? Sounds like something a project site should decide. See Pottery talk page about a proposed clay project. WBardwin 20:17, 12 April 2006 (UTC)
I deleted all but one of the commercial sites -- how does everyone feel about the issue? A poll? WBardwin 19:01, 21 May 2006 (UTC)
Please comment on the question and then perhaps we can vote:
Commercial sites intended to allow the reader to view, order and purchase materials are globally prohibited on Wikipedia. On this article, and related articles, should commercial sites be allowed when:
  • 1) they also provide educational or instructional material?
  • 2) do not contain price information or allow the reader to order work?
  • 3) have images that illustrate the material covered in the article, and no non-commercial sites are available?


I feel it would be troublesome to allow sites that can be construed as commercial, if exceptions are made they may be seen as policy, and the policy is firm that there be no commercial links, and is unlikely to change.
However, there is no policy disallowing a link from the image page to a commercial site, so in my opinion, a fair work-around would be to upload an image given by a commercial site, an image placed into the public domain. The public domain tag generally is accompanied by information as to who placed the image into the public domain, and that information in my opinion and interpretation of present policy could include the web address of the image provider. This might encourage someone to allow the use of one or several images to be used, without a direct link to a commercial site, and still allow credit to be given for the generous contribution of the image.Pedant 06:01, 9 July 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Traditional raku

it would be nice to have more information on traditional raku, techniques, and raku masters, at present it seems there is more about 'western' raku. Pedant

[edit] this article lacks both Wabi-sabiwabi and sabi

This article needs a redo from word one.

added link to title to clarify user's topic. So, if you have issues, go ahead and improve our aesthetic presentation! In my opinion, Wiki editors should come here to work. WBardwin 06:27, 14 October 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Utility

Shouldn't it be made known that Raku ware is NOT to be used for serving food/drink? It's gorgeous stuff, but the lead seeps out...

--Gautam3 18:10, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

Raku ware doesn't necessarily contain lead...none of my raku glazes do? Teapotgeorge 09:08, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

None of my glazes contain lead. But my bodies do remain pourous, so I mark them as not food safe. WBardwin 21:12, 27 April 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Quotation and introduction

I restored the introduction which had apparently been lost to vandalism. I also restored the quotation -- which I had originally placed at the head of the article. Objections? Comments? WBardwin 21:12, 27 April 2007 (UTC)