This text examines contemporary Raku work in the light of the 350-year-old aesthetic that led to its development. It explores how the details of this technique were communicated across continents, and explains the processes characteristic of Raku - crackle and lustre development. The book culminates in an analysis of the contribution made by Raku to practical and philosophical explorations into the nature of clay and fire, and is illustrated with images of new work and experiments with flame.