Care instructions for Raku ceramics

The black is the special feature of Raku ceramics, because the black is unglazed clay and this black can be preserved with some care. The silky matt black comes from the carbon of the wood shavings and is comparable to activated carbon. However, the carbon is absorbed into the ceramic and cannot be scrubbed off. The black is absolutely non-slip. As Raku is born out of fire, the ceramics initially smell a little bit of soot, ash and charcoal. Raku ceramics is a form of earthenware ceramics and is only fired at about 1000 degrees Celsius. This means that the ceramics are not waterproof. This does not do any harm to the ceramics, because the suspended particles and the lime of the water contained in the tea or flower water sinter the few open channels quite quickly.

Raku ceramics must not be washed in the dishwasher, because it is not completely waterproof. The salts in the tabs and cleaning solutions are simply too aggressive and penetrate the ceramic - after all, they also manage to blind the glasses of a well-known Swedish furniture store. Raku tea bowls (Chawan) and other tableware should only be cleaned with a mild soap solution, but preferably only with clear water.

The special feature of raku is its charm, as Zen Buddhism has contributed significantly to the creation of the raku technique. Raku is deceleration and the tea should be enjoyed accordingly: Pure, with clear water and of course without milk or even lemon. The acid has a similar effect to salt and attacks the Raku ceramics. Raku is something for connoisseurs and tea gourmets.

Raku ceramic is very similar to our classic wooden boards, no fancy handling and above all no chemicals! We recommend to impregnate our Raku Deco-Ceramics and Raku Garden-Ceramics with a small amount of linseed oil or coconut oil mixed with beeswax from the health food shop. The mixture is quickly absorbed and dries odourlessly. Maybe you still have the one or other component at home from impregnating your kitchen wooden boards.

We have had good experience with the mixing ratios of coconut or linen oil to beeswax. In each case it is firm enough to be easily spread and yet it oils very little. It is also absorbed quickly without leaving a disturbing oil film.

The production of Raku polish is similar to that of melting chocolate. Water is heated in a sufficiently large pot and a bowl is placed in it. In the bowl, all the weighed ingredients are slowly liquefied. Don't forget to stir occasionally.

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It is best to let the Raku decoration ceramics or Raku garden ceramics dry for a few days, so that the oil can penetrate deep into the pores. Of course you can also use the polish for your Naked Raku ceramics and we strongly recommend it! Raku polish brings out the maximum and the silky shimmer enhances the black and white contrast.

The polishing of Raku tea bowls (Chawan) is of course also possible, but is less recommended by us. When hot tea is poured into the raku tea bowl, the oil in the polish expands and can be forced out through the pores inside the ceramic.