Raku is an ancient Japanese firing technique in which clay pots and vessels are quickly brought up to temperature in a small kiln. After maturation of the glazes, the kiln is opened and the red-hot pots are removed to cool down in a variety of ways. The sudden cooling causes the glazes to crackle, giving raku ware its characteristic look.

Jim Howe and assistants will create raku ware throughout the festival in a tent near the Children’s Garden.