This Raku Vase with it's classic ginger jar shape and beautiful teal green top would look good on your hearth next to a blazing fire. It is 19 inches tall and approx 8 inches in diameter. The pottery process of Raku was developed in the 16th century as a way of quick firing pottery. In the 1950's and 60's the process was discoverd by American potters. Raku pottery is fired in a small kiln one piece at a time. It is removed red hot from the kiln and placed into a bed of sawdust. It is then covered tightly so it cannot burn freely. The interaction between the smoldering sawdust and the hot glaze produces the vivid, unique colors of Raku. Raku pottery is still porous and will not hold water. As with any piece of fine art, keep out of direct sunlight and clean with a damp cloth.