In Japan during the 16th century, Kyoto became the center of the tea ceremony. Chojiro with the help of the Tea Master Sen-no-Rikyu created a special type of low-fired, soft-bodied ware for tea bowls. For this, he was honored with a gold seal for the character "Raku". Raku then became the name of the family that produced the wares. The Raku family is now in it's 15th generation of continuous potters. They have maintained the traditional values of Raku, both aesthetic and spiritual. Raku began with the making of the very first Raku tea bowl.

What has remained constant over the centuries is the process in which the pieces are bisque fired, glazed, glaze fired and smoked in post-firing reduction.

Like all traditions Raku has evolved over time. In the late 50's Paul Soldner introduced Americas to his version of Raku. Now Raku is practiced in various forms around the world. Artists feel free to experiment with all parts of the process. Learn more about Lynn's raku firing process.