Raku -  What is Raku?

Raku is a Japanese inspired method of firing that creates unpredictable smoke patterns and spectacular metallic and crackle effects in the glazes. After initially firing the piece in a kiln, it is glazed and fired a second time.  When the temperature of the piece reaches between 1600 and 1900 degrees and the glaze has melted, the piece is placed in a metal container containing combustible materials  and then covered.  This is called post reduction.  This is when the oxygen is burned out of the glaze taking the colorants back to a metal, producing the metallic lusters seen in raku.

Saggar What is a Saggar?

A saggar is a container.  A saggar fired piece of pottery is one that has been bisqued fired first and later placed in a container , surrounded by organic and other material and fired in a kiln.  The smoke produced by the burning material is absorbed into the clay's exterior of the pottery.  This smoke produces unique colors and effects.   No glaze is used to provide any of the colors.