Hand thrown raku clay vessel. Vessel was glazed using a patina/alligator glaze. The Raku firing process involves removing the vessel from the kiln when it reaches it's maximum temperature of 1800 degrees, and then placed in a container with combustible material to get the desired effect. The term Raku is typically associated with the Japanese Tea Ceremony. I was fortunate to study under James Watkins, world renown potter and raku artist. His inspiration was key to the creation of this vessel!