Master Sculptor Xhanti Mphakama creates the original from a lump of specially formulated Clay.

A mold is made from the original. Clay is then pressed into the mold. The clay must be evenly applied or the item will crack when fired.

 There is a left and right side mold, these are fitted together to form the 3 dimensional sculpture

The excess clay must be removed from where the two sides were joined together. The clay is smoothed over so no join will be visible. They are then etched in the traditional “Ndebele” designs.

The clay is then dried on top of the Kiln for 12 hours and then placed in the kiln for final drying.

After they are removed from the kiln, they are called “bisque” pieces and are ready to be glazed.

It is now time to apply the wonderful glazes that make the RakuArt so unique. These glazes have been specially formulated to withstand the harsh temperatures that they are have to endure.

After being dried for several hours the glazed pieces are placed on the “bat” ready to be fired in the Raku gas kiln. Notice how dull the glazes look at this stage of the process.

The gas flame heats the kiln to 900 C.

The drum is removed from the Raku Kiln. You can see them glow with heat. Notice how the glazes have now taken on their true colors. Exposed to room temperature, the glazes immediately begin to crackle.

After being removed from the “bat” they are placed in sawdust.  which immediately catches fire. The smoldering sawdust darkens any unglazed surfaces and the cracks that were formed while cooling

The final result .......  the beautiful and unique RakuArt that you have appreciated for more than a decade.