Raku

Mariana Navarro

Period 5
10th grade
CNG

History of Raku

Raku is a style of Japanese pottery that was derived in the late 16th century. The
technique has been carried out by a potter named Chojiro. He was a tea master and the
tea master Sen no Rikyu requested him to make a bowl of tea for the tea ceremony.
Chojiro's tea bowls were unique in that they were intentionally rustic and irregular in
shape, contrasting with the formal and refined aesthetic of the era. This approach to
pottery immediately gained fame in tea circles and became known as raku. Throughout
the years 1603 to 1868, raku pottery became more and more distinguished and was
commonly used in the tea ceremony. Today, raku pottery is still highly regarded for its
unique beauty and the way it embodies the Japanese aesthetic.

Raku pottery differs from other types of pottery on several points. First of all, the firing
process used to generate raku pottery is different from other types of pottery. Raku is
fired at a lower temperature than other types of ceramics and the firing process is much
shorter. This results in a distinctive altered glaze, which is created by cooling the pottery
immediately after it is removed from the kiln. Second, raku pottery is famous for its
irregular shapes and textures. Unlike other types of pottery, which tend to be quite
symmetrical and smooth, raku pottery is intentionally imperfect. The irregular shape
and texture of raku pottery is said to enhance the tea drinking experience by creating a
sense of harmony and balance between the tea bowl, the tea, and the individual who
drinks it. Generally, the distinctive firing process, irregular manners, and association
with the tea ceremony make raku pottery an exclusive and highly valued form of pottery.
Chemical equations

Named Equations
- CuO+CO-> Cu +C+ O2
Copper II Oxide
- 2CuO+CO2-> 2Cu +Cu 2O2

- 2 Fe + 02 -> 2 FeO
Iron II Oxide
- 2 FeO + CO2 ->2 Fe+C+2O2

- 2CoO+ CO2 -> 2 Co

Cobalt II Oxide +C+ 2O2
- 2 CoO+ O2 -> Co + 2O2

- TiO2+ CO2 -> Ti +C+ 2O2

Titanium IV Oxide
- TiO2+ CO -> 2 Ti +C+ 2O2

Formulas
Naming Chemical equations For what it is used Toxicity (What can
(Formulas in (During firing process) in Raku it cause)
the glace)

Copper II Oxide 4 CuO → 2 Cu2O + O2 It is a black or It is highly toxic and

brown powder that can cause
is commonly used respiratory
as a pigment in problems, liver and
kidney damage, and
Raku glazes.
even death in
extreme cases.

Iron II Oxide 2 Fe + O2 → 2 FeO It is a black powder It is very toxic. It

that is used as a can cause
pigment in Raku respiratory
glazes. problems, liver and
kidney damage, and
gastrointestinal
issues.

Cobalt II Oxide 2Co + O2 → 2CoO It is a blue powder It is toxic and can

that is used as a cause respiratory
pigment in Raku problems, skin
glazes. irritation, and even
heart and lung
damage in high
doses.

Titanium IV Ti + 2 O2 → TiO2 It is a white powder It is relatively safe,

Oxide that is used as a but can still cause

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 pigment in Raku respiratory
glazes. problems and eye
irritation if some
inhales or ingest it.

Clay formula:

Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide.

Al2O3 2SiO2 2H2O

Colors

Chemical equation Colors After Firing Process

4 CuO → 2 Cu2O + O2 Black, dark brown,
red-brown, and/ or green

At lower temperatures, it
can appear dark green or
2 Fe + O2 → 2 FeO
black. As the temperature
is increased, it can turn to a
reddish-brown color.

CoO can appear black or

dark brown. As the
temperature is increased, it
can turn to a brighter
brown or red color. It can
2Co + O2 → 2CoO produce intense blue colors
that are characteristic of
cobalt. It can also be
reduced to form metallic
cobalt, which can appear as
a metallic gray color.

Ti + 2 O2 → TiO2 It can appear white or gray.

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Toxicity levels

The body can naturally eliminate certain metals when there is an excessive
accumulation of certain metals in the body. This can lead to heavy metal poisoning.

Iron (Fe) is an essential mineral for the human body and is found in many foods.
However, excessive levels of iron in the body can lead to iron toxicity, which can cause
organ damage and even death. Levels between 350 to 500 micrograms/dL are associated
with moderate toxicity. Levels above 500 micrograms/dL are associated with severe
systemic toxicity. Iron toxicity is rare in healthy people, as the body has mechanisms to
regulate iron absorption and eliminate excess iron. However, people with certain genetic
disorders or conditions that require frequent blood transfusions are at increased risk of
iron overload.

Cobalt (Co) is a trace mineral that is essential for the formation of red blood cells.
However, excessive exposure to cobalt, usually through inhalation, can lead to cobalt
poisoning, which can cause lung and heart damage. Cobalt toxicity can occur at levels of
7-10 μg/L or more.

Copper (Cu) is also an essential mineral that plays a role in many bodily functions,
including the formation of red blood cells and the maintenance of the immune system.
However, excessive levels of copper in the body can lead to copper toxicity, which can
cause liver damage, kidney damage, and neurological symptoms. Levels above 10,000
mcg of Copper can cause a big toxicity problems in a person. Copper toxicity is rare, but
can occur in individuals with Wilson's disease, a genetic disorder that impairs the body's
ability to eliminate copper.

Titanium (Ti) is not considered a heavy metal, but rather a metal that is widely used in
many consumer products, such as toothpaste, sunscreen, and cosmetics. Titanium is
generally considered safe for human use, as it is poorly absorbed by the body and does
not accumulate in tissues. However, excessive exposure to titanium dust can cause lung
damage, and there is some concern about the potential for long-term effects of exposure
to nanoparticles of titanium in consumer products.

It's important to note that the levels of these metals that would cause toxicity can vary
depending on the individual's age, health status, and other factors.

Prediction of how would it look like

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REFERENCES
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 www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/copper-toxicity#:~:text=The%20upper%20limit%20fo
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11.