Horsehair raku is another technique that requires no glaze.The piece of pottery,
which has previously been bisque fired, is loaded into the hot raku kiln.
At about 1400 °F it is removed from the kiln with long tongs and
set upon a turntable.
Quickly, and carefully, strands of horsehair are
laid on the surface of the pot.They immediately "frizzle" and smoke. The
burning hair leaves its mark permanently on the face of the pot. The smoke
also leaves its mark giving the piece a smoke "blush". Once the desired
pattern of burned hair is complete the pot is allowed to cool naturally.
Afterward the ash residue is washed from the pot and when it is thoroughly dry
it is waxed and buffed to a soft sheen.
