Is raku suitable for functional use?
The traditional use of raku ware in the Japanese tea ceremony has contributed to confusion about the functional use of raku. With very few exceptions, all raku fired ware is fragile, porous, and generally unsuitable for functional use. Unless such fragile ware is treated post-firing with a non-glaze material, such as a polyurethane or acrylic sealer or an oil of some kind, the pots will sweat water and eventually break down. Treat raku as decorative. The occasional use of raku in a functional setting is OK but keep in mind that the glaze is soft and can be easily chipped and end up being ingested. If you must use your pots for food try to limit the use to dry food. The fragility of the ware also renders the reliability of handles and other appendages extremely questionable.
