UnIike conventional ceramic firing approaches, which may take several days to complete, Raku is a method where work is rapidly (often under an hour in duration) fired and removed from the kiln when glowing hot. Raku has become popular amongst contemporary artists/potters internationally since it was introduced to the West in 1940s. Historically, Raku referred to the spiritual, religious, philosophical, ceremonial and functional characteristics of a specific style. (Copied from article).