Each vessel starts with clay which is rolled out into a slab approximately 1/4 inch thick.  The slab is formed into the vessel shape. It is then air dried, sanded, bisque fired, and sanded again before it is glazed and refired.  The firing process for Raku Pottery utilizes a kiln heated to 1600-2000 degrees Fahrenheit within a very quick time period - usually 20-60 minutes.  The vessel is removed from the kiln red-hot and placed in a reduction environment using paper, sawdust and/or wood-chips.  After reduction, but while still hot, the  vessel may be plunged into cold water in order to set the color of the glaze. Many pieces are lost due to the thermal shock of the Raku process.  The pieces that do survive the Raku process have an exceptional and unmistakable beauty.

The handle is hand woven and added to the vessel after it is fired, cleaned of reduction debris and cooled.  Reed, grapevine, and other natural materials may be used.  Sometimes the reed is dyed to enhance the beauty of the vessel. 

The result is a one of a kind wondrous work of art.