raku

noun, often attributive ra·ku \ ˈrä-(ˌ)kü \

Updated on: 7 Apr 2018

Definition of raku

1 : Japanese hand-modeled pottery that is fired at a low temperature and rapidly cooled

2 : a process by which pottery is fired at a relatively low temperature and then moved while hot to a closed container with combustible materials (such as paper or sawdust) that ignite and cause a reaction creating colors and patterns in the pottery's surface; also : pottery produced using this process

Recent Examples of raku from the Web

Guest potters demonstrate horsehair and fuming raku, throwing demonstrations and decorating.

— luann gibbs, Cincinnati.com, "Free and fun things to do in Cincinnati this weekend," 21 Mar. 2018
The calligraphy on the left—written as kai raku en—means ‘strange, bizarre or monstrous paradise’ in Japanese.

— nobuyoshi araki, WSJ, "Subversive Photographer Nobuyoshi Araki’s Favorite Things," 5 Sep. 2017
The D.C. sculptor displays her work made with raku clay, wood, stone and metal.

— jillian s. jarrett, Washington Post, "Going Out Guide for Maryland, June 1-7, 2017," 1 June 2017
Lori Ulmer-Hanson The D.C. sculptor displays her work made with raku clay, wood, stone and metal.

— jillian s. jarrett, Washington Post, "Going Out Guide for Maryland, June 1-7, 2017," 1 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'raku.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.