Earth and Fire Raku Pottery

Earth and Fire Raku Pottery Rika Franken Produces African themed Raku pottery after the ancient Japanese technique of cracking glaze, locally produced in Gaborone Botswana.

Raku is an ancient Japanese firing-technique, which Terra Cotta pottery in Botswana has Africanised in style. The firing technique involves manual removal of the red-hot pottery from the kiln at specific temperatures and submerging it in different organic materials, like leafs, dung or sawdust. This temperature shock produces fine cracks in the surface-glaze and the smouldering organic smoke penetrates deep into these cracks, producing most attractive, ancient looking irregular crackle effects. The shade of grey-black on the unglazed areas depends on the kind of material used, its temperature, colouring, moisture and the general weather when firing. Raku is a risky and uncomfortable way of firing, with high breakages, unexpected outcomes and health-risks for the artists due to the acrid fumes. The charm and fascination of this technique lies however in these surprise-effects, which gives the pottery its unique look. Our designs are mostly inspired by African life and nature with all its shapes and textures and are never exactly repeated twice. Firing large, narrow-necked, thin or flat pieces is very difficult due to the stress on the material during the severe temperature shock. Cracks that have occasionally penetrated through the actual clay body can be fixed by the medieval practice of allowing milk to sour in it (repeatedly if necessary) and then cleaning it before usage. This closes pores and fine cracks rendering the vessel waterproof. Terra Cotta pottery uses only lead free and food approved glazes (most are imported from Germany), and our pots can withstand domestic oven temperatures. Unglazed, smoked outer surfaces have been polished with clear wax. This can be repeated from time to time - if you wish- to keep up the smooth and lustrous appearance.

23/09/2026

Come and make this innour workshop

23/09/2026

Reduction fired Raku

So beautiful but fragile for use
23/09/2026

So beautiful but fragile for use

Red-Polished Ware Bowl with Modeled Figures — Cyprus, 2300–1900 BCE 🏺🐂

This remarkable Early Bronze Age Cypriot bowl is decorated with hand-modeled animals and miniature vessels, transforming an everyday pottery form into an elaborate ceremonial object.

Bulls appear prominently around the vessel, represented both as complete animals and as horned bovine heads mounted atop poles. In ancient Cyprus, bulls were powerful symbols associated with strength and fertility. Between them are two tiny bowls on short stems and a long-necked water bird.

The vessel belongs to Cyprus's distinctive Red Polished Ware tradition, named for the pottery's reddish color and highly polished surface. This style became a hallmark of Cypriot craftsmanship during the Early Bronze Age.

Similar vessels with three-dimensional human and animal figures have often been discovered in funerary contexts. The Getty notes that some pottery placed in tombs may originally have been associated with feasts held by the living to commemorate the deceased.

🏛️ Object: Red-Polished Ware Bowl with Modeled Figures
📍 Origin: Cyprus
📅 Date: 2300–1900 BCE
🏺 Culture: Early Bronze Age Cyprus
🐂 Decoration: Bulls, bovine heads, miniature bowls & water bird
🏛️ Collection: Getty Villa

15/09/2026
Come and make a pot on the wheel - with guidance
28/08/2026

Come and make a pot on the wheel - with guidance

Leather and pine rope pot
25/08/2026

Leather and pine rope pot

Cape Limpid butter/ cheese bell
25/08/2026

Cape Limpid butter/ cheese bell

22/08/2026

A local influencer advertised her recipe with one of our Raku bowls !

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Gaborone

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00
Saturday 09:00 - 17:00

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