Raku 185, This rapid spontaneous method of glazing and firing was created in Japan in the 16th century. The pieces fired in this way were used in great part, for the Zen tea ceremony. The word "Raku" means "felicity or happiness". In Japanese Raku, the work is quickly fired and removed from the kiln still white hot. It is then usually placed on a stone or the ground to cool. Very coarse clay is used and the glaze colors are usually black, red brown or white. In one version of western Raku firing, bisque-fired clay is removed from the kiln when the piece itself becomes red-hot and the glaze melts about 1100-1800 degrees. The piece is then immersed in combustible material such as: wood chips, leaves, hay etc. The chamber is then covered. The resulting oxygen reduction atmosphere turns the unglazed clay black. The pot is then removed and cooled.