Throw Down fans are blown away by this week's unusual pottery technique

Contains spoilers for Great Pottery Throw Down episode 4

There are so many breathtaking techniques used by the contestants on The Great Pottery Throw Down – and raku has to be one of the most spectacular.

Fans of the craft TV show were blown away by the creations made by the potters this week using the firing technique of raku.

Raku is the name given to the pottery process inspired by a Japanese firing technique. It involves removing pottery from the kiln while they're at a super-hot temperature, and finishing the process in a chamber of combustibles.

The results of raku pottery are truly stunning: the technique creates a smoky finish to pieces, broken up by moments of crackling in the ceramic, and colours become deep and moody glazes.

This week, the potters were tasked with creating a realistic-style animal bust using the raku firing technique. It was a nerve-wracking experience, as the intense heats used in the kiln can easily cause cracking in the pieces – and they can even fall apart as they're placed in the chamber of combustibles.

But it was Dave's incredible turkey sculpture which stole the show and the judges' hearts, winning him Potter of the Week – while Daniel's owl cracked in the kiln, and he was unfortunately the latest contestant to be sent home.

Fans were in awe of the potters' raku creations. @ShaneRooD15 commented on Twitter: "That was the best episode of #PotteryThrowdown ever, the animals were amazing and watching the potters help each other was wonderful. Despite the crack, Demi Moo was my favourite , she was full of character."

Others agreed, with @GrantSRivers commenting on Twitter: "Thoroughly enjoyed tonight’s episode of @PotteryThrow. The raku episode is always a favourite of mine!"

We can't wait to see what the potters create next week!

The Great Pottery Throw Down is on Sundays at 7.45pm on Channel 4 and All4.

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