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History of Shigaraki ceramics:
Shigaraki is a home to one of the six Ancient kilns areas in Japan.
It has a long history and commercial pottery started in Shigaraki
some time around 13th century.
From the 17th century the glazing and coloring techniques were introduced,
and production shifted towards various kinds of ceramic items for daily use.
Now you can find a wide variety of products in different sizes and designs.
Since the clay produced in the area is high quality and resilient, it is well
suited to large items such as large storage vessels and bowls.
One of the characteristic and distinctive appearances of Shigaraki ceramics
are no glaze. The potters rely on the natural properties of the clay.
During the firing process, the iron in the clay was oxidized and produced
a red coloring, and the heat drew out a greenish citreous substance from
the clay, which left an interesting natural glaze on the surface. In the 16th century the
attractiveness of this simplicity caught the attention of the
leading tea masters of the time and the town gained a national reputation for
its wares.
Today one very famous item fired here is the Tanuki (raccoon-dog) statue.
You can see Shigaraki Tanuki at every corners of the town and also outside
of Japanese taverns called "Izakaya" all over Japan.
They placed in the hopes that the things that the Tanuki possesses will come
to the owner Sake, fertility and money.
…When you see them you cannot help smiling!
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