| The Origin of Raku |
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| The
name 'Raku' first appeared in 16th century Japan when it was bestowed by
the emperor Hideyoshi upon Jokei, the son of a Korean immigrant potter
living in Kyota. The Raku character, originally taken from the Chinese,
was inscribed on a presentation gold seal. Roughly translated it
meant contentment, enjoyment, pleasure, and
also 'the best in all the world.' It paid homage to the work of
Jokei's father who had been chosen by the influential tea master
Senno-Rikyu to produce wares of refined simplicity for the Zen Buddhist
tea ceremony.
Raku has for many, opened up previously unexplored territory. It breaks down conventions and appeals to those who seek a real challenge in their work. It combines a demand for skill together with a conscious submission to total chance. These opposing notions of man being in control and yet also being at the mercy of the four elements touch on fundamental issues dealing with our own existence in the world. |