Book excerpt: The origins of raku can be traced back hundreds of years to Japan, where it was used as the traditional method of creating clay bowls for the tea ceremony. Over the years potters have embraced and adapted the methods, celebrating the remarkable but unpredictable results achieved using raku techniques.The author, who has specialized in raku for over twenty years, considers the origins of raku before offering over 300 glaze recipes. A selection of other potters also share their ideas, and with one hundred photographs of raku-fired pieces, Fired Up With Raku offers inspiration to all potters and is an invaluable source of information and advice for all ceramicists. Includes over 300 glaze recipes. Superbly illustrated with one hundred colour photographs of raku-fired pieces. Irene Poulton has specialized in raku firing for over twenty years and her work is exhibited in both Australia and the USA.