Throughout this site you will see notations reading "Dinnerware Safe" and " Not Dinnerware Safe".
"Dinnerware Safe" means that the materials used in the production of the glaze do not contain any harmful substances, and that the pieces have been fired correctly and properly matured. These products are also microwave and dishwasher safe. Products labeled "Not Dinnerware Safe" on our site have been produced using glazes that may contain Lead, Cadmium, and/or other toxic substances OR have a type of glaze surface that is not safe to be used for any purpose that would put them in contact with food or drink (some "antique" and "crackle" glazes fall in this catagory). This label also applies to Raku work, which can be very porous and have a crackled surface due to the rapid cooling process. This is not only expected, it is the desired effect!
RAKU
Raku is a method of glaze firing pottery. Each piece has already been bisque fired to cone 04 and has had special glazes applied by pouring, dipping, sponging, brushing, etc. The pieces are then fired in the fiber kiln using a 100,000 BTU gas burner until the piece reaches about 1800 F (approx cone 06). This takes about 15-25 minutes depending on the load. Each piece is then carefully removed with tongs while red hot and placed in a metal can with a combustible material-such as shredded newspaper or sawdust. The combustible material ignites and the fire and smoke react with the glaze to create very unique and unpredictable colors, lusters, and patterns. Each piece of Raku is a one of a kind work of art! Raku pieces are not dinnerware safe as many of the glazes contain lead, cadmium, or other toxic substances and crackling of the glaze surface is a part of the firing process. They are not suitable to hold liquids, even though the form may suggest such application, but can serve well as candy dishes, potpourri pots, holding any dry material, or just for decoration. The function of Raku pottery is its extreme beauty!
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