Raku

See also: raku

English

Etymology 1

From (deprecated template usage) [etyl] Japanese 楽 (raku, “fun, delightful”).
A seal engraved with this word was marked on the early pieces. It was the title and seal used by 15 generations of potters.

Alternative forms

• raku

Proper noun

Raku

1. (ceramics) A style of Japanese pottery, considered the traditional style for the pottery used in the Japanese tea ceremony; (especially capitalised) such pottery made by the Raku family.
   • 1968, Daniel Rhodes, Kilns: Design, Construction and Operation‎^[1], page 180:

     Raku bowls are of two types. The red Raku is made from a reddish earthenware clay and is glazed with a lead glaze.

   • 1989, Chanoyu Quarterly, Issue 58, page 38,

     Koetsu learned the technique of Raku pottery from the Raku potter Kichizaemon Jokei (1561-1635) and his son Nonko (aka Donyu; 1599-1656), who also had the name Kichibei.

   • 2010, John Mathieson, Techniques Using Slips, Chapter 6: Slips and Raku, page 53,

     As a technique, raku seems to encourage experimentation.

2. The English transliteration of a Japanese surname; specifically, that of the family traditionally licensed to manufacture the pottery.

Derived terms

• rakuware

References

• Krueger, Dennis (December 1982). "Why On Earth Do They Call It Throwing?" Studio Potter Vol. 11, Number 1.[2] (etymology)

Etymology 2

Proper noun

Raku

1. A programming language derived from Perl.

Anagrams

• Kaur, Kura, urka