“Western” raku is a process in which ceramic work is removed from the kiln at bright red heat (1500-1800 F) and subjected to post-firing reduction (or smoking) by being placed in containers of combustible materials, which blackens raw clay and causes crazing in the glaze surface. Horsehair Raku pottery is burnished or coated several times with a very fine clay slip called terra sigillata. The piece is removed from the kiln while hot and horsehair is applied to the pot one hair at a time where it leaves a carbon print on the surface. Obvara firing technique originated in Eastern Europe during the Middle Ages. It is nicknamed “Baltic Raku.” Pieces are removed from the kiln at 1500 F one at time, dunked into a brew ( a fermented mix of flour, yeast, and water), and then quickly into water. The effect is a toasty brown surface.