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raku

noun, often attributive
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ra·​ku | \ ˈrä-(ˌ)kü How to pronounce raku (audio) \

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

Examples of raku in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web When visiting, don’t miss the unique work of Lisa Schumaier, a mixed media sculptor and native of Alexandria who creates whimsical animals and beasts in the style of raku ceramics. — al, "Plan the ultimate holiday getaway to this historic Virginia town," 9 Dec. 2019 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 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.

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First Known Use of raku

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for raku

Japanese, literally, pleasure; from the use of the character for this word on a seal given to the family of the potter who introduced the style

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Cite this Entry

“Raku.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/raku. Accessed 6 Mar. 2021.

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