Horse Hair

Horse Hair Raku: A Fiery Dance of Texture and Detail

Horse Hair Raku is an outdoor firing technique performed in a gas kiln, where pieces are heated to around 650°C and then removed using special tongs. The addition of horsehair or bird feathers to the hot ceramics leaves behind intricate, graphic, and detailed impressions on the surface, especially if the ceramic pieces have been polished beforehand.

You can also apply colored terra sigillata prior to the firing to add further depth and richness to the designs. Some pieces may be glazed, but this requires a different firing dynamic to achieve the desired results.

After gently cleaning the pieces with a brush, they are finished with a wax coating, often a mixture of beeswax and linseed oil, which gives the ceramics a smooth, rich sheen.

This technique results in stunning, natural textures and is a striking way to enhance the visual and tactile quality of ceramics.