The art of Baltic raku pottery
Exploring ancient techniques is an essential part of deepening the understanding of pottery and its roots. Ondou’s founder, Greta, had the rare opportunity to join a one-week residency in the woods of Lithuania, immersing herself in a traditional Lithuanian pottery method—a craft deeply intertwined with the cultural heritage of the region. This journey offered not only a new technical challenge but also a profound connection to the craftsmanship and generational knowledge that sustains this tradition.
The Art and History of Baltic Raku
Baltic Raku, or Leaven pottery, is an ancient European firing technique that dates back to the 10th–12th centuries. This method is believed to have originated in what is now Lithuania and Latvia, with its influence spreading to neighboring regions.
What makes this technique so unique is its use of a fermented mixture of flour, yeast, sugar, and water instead of glaze. The mixture is applied to red-hot pottery, sealing the surface to reduce porosity while creating distinctive, organic patterns that are entirely unique to each piece.
It’s believed that the technique may have developed accidentally when a hot pot fell into a fermented sourdough or kitchen scrap mixture. What began as a fortunate mistake evolved into an intentional and refined process over time.
An essential step in preparing for Baltic Raku is making grog. Grog, created by burning, crushing, and grinding stones, is mixed with clay to strengthen the pottery and help it withstand the high firing temperatures and rapid cooling inherent in this technique.
The key to Baltic Raku lies in its precise timing. When the unglazed pottery reaches around 1000°C in the kiln, it’s quickly removed and immersed in the fermented mixture. The mixture adheres to the hot surface, creating both a seal and decorative markings. Immediately after, the pottery is plunged into cold water to halt the process, preserving the patterns and locking in its properties.
The result is beautiful earthenware that is both functional and environmentally friendly, with a design rooted in tradition and nature.
Photo credits: Greta Rekstyte, Gabriele Gurciute
