Questions and Answers
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Question: How long does it take to create a Raku tile wall piece or Raku box?

Answer: How long does it take to create a Raku tile wall piece or Raku box? To create a Raku tile wall piece or a hand-built box takes about three weeks. Once the tile piece or box is created, it is fired twice. The first firing is the bisque firing; the second is the glaze firing (Raku firing). Visit the Raku Process for more information.

Once the piece is Raku fired, it is cleaned with a brillo pad and allowed to dry for one day. Then it is clear coated with enamel and allowed to dry again for another day. If it is a tile piece, the tiles are then mounted on a lightweight backer-board, grouted in between, and clear coated a second time for additional protection.

Question: What is the best and preferred way to hang a tile wall piece?
Answer: The average weight is 3-7 lbs. To ensure that your tile piece will hang safely and securely (on the larger pieces), the piece is custom drilled on the backer-board and two or three separate hooks are installed. These hooks are placed to provide even distribution of weight for the piece to hang safely. These multiple hooks accommodate regular hanging mechanisms that enable you to display on standard drywall.

Question: On some of the tile pieces there appears to be calligraphy symbols. What do the symbols represent?

Answer: Some calligraphy is used. Samples of Brenda's work can be seen in the Raku Tiles and Raku Boxes section. If calligraphy is used, the photos will be marked whether the symbols are Chinese or Japanese. Unless otherwise marked, most of the tile pieces and boxes will be using patterns inspired by ancient Japanese designs found on decorative kimonos, in architectural books, and Asian woodblock prints.

These beautiful designs used on my tiles do not present a specific meaning or message but are used as a representation of the great flow, beauty, and simplicity prevalent in Asian artistic culture.

Question: How do I care for my Raku tile wall piece or Raku box?

Answer: The Raku process makes the clay porous, therefore boxes cannot hold water. A liner or glass may be used within for flowers or decorations. Direct sunlight is not recommended to preserve its original condition. Each piece is clear coated; a soft cloth is all that is necessary to clean it. Raku boxes with decorative lids are fragile. Always lift the lid of the box by the base, not the decorative top.