Things to remember about Raku art:
Raku is decorative, not functional. It is more fragile than ceramic pieces used as mugs, plates, vases, etc.
Hand wash if necessary, but usually just dusting is better. You can carefully vacuum matte surfaces periodically.
Raku is not food safe. This means food should not be placed in direct contact with the surface of the pot. Crazing on a Raku piece is an intentional design element, but it is also a place where bacteria from food could collect. Alternative firing surfaces remains porous even after final firing and it is possible that leaching of small amounts of oxides could occur.
Raku pottery will absorb and eventually pass liquids through the bottom and walls making it unsuitable for a water-holding vessel like a vase. It is, however, a lovely choice for a fully contained, pre-potted plant or an artificial arrangement.
Raku can be used outside, but be aware that sunlight will eventually impact the glaze.
Things to know about your purchased Raku piece:
All pieces purchased from Kiln Glow Pottery have been sealed with either tile or acrylic sealer. That is done to prevent the re-oxidation of the metals in the glazes and to protect the piece from sunlight. Such sealers do not make the pieces food safe or water-proof! What happens if not sealed:
Re-oxidation may eventually cause metals in the glazes to change color. For example, after many, many years copper glaze can turn green because, like any copper exposed to oxygen, it develops a green patina.
Direct and constant sunlight will eventually fade the beautiful colors on Raku pots…even the black carbonization. Placed in a more protected spot, pot coloration should not be impacted for many, many years.