Raku daisy coaster

This is my Raku daisy coaster Dimensions: 13cm Diameter 6mm deep approx Handmade using a raku clay and the slab method. Once thoroughly dried out it is bisque fired to 1000C - any rough edges are sanded before raku glazes are applied in a daisy design. The smoked blackened area around the outside of the dish is a natural feature of the raku firing method. After firing a black Indian ink is applied to enhance the daisy design. RAKU METHOD Raku is a rapid firing technique, adapted from an ancient Japanese firing. A small number of pieces are placed in a small gas fired kiln and fired up to around 1,000c, each piece is then individually taken out of the kiln red hot around 800c and placed in a bin of sawdust, wood shavings or newspaper which instantly combusts, the actual finish is then down to careful timing, longer in the air will give bigger heavier crazing, covering quickly leaves areas with no crazing but the crazing itself is very random and this gives each piece its own character. Finally remove pieces and drench in water and leave to cool before cleaning. Self-adhesive cork has been applied to the base to protect surfaces. RAKU POTTERY IS DECORATIVE RATHER THAN FUNCTIONAL AND IS NOT FOOD SAFE. Due to the handmade nature and natural materials each piece is unique with subtle variations in size, shape, and finish.