Rising Up

 

Raku firing is a process of fire and smoke. The glaze is fired to 1890 degrees and it melts into the carvings on the teapot. Flashes of copper can be seen along with a beautiful red at the base of the teapot. Portions of the teapot show blackening around the carved and sculpted areas indicating infused smoke.

 

The Emperor's dragon, wrapped around the porcelain teapot, rises up from its slumber.

 

Only the Emperor was allowed to wear or own any resemblance of the five-fingered dragon. The dragon symbolized an Emperor's power and strength.