Shigaraki Yaki

The marks of the kiln

Shigaraki clay is ideal for large pieces. Fired in climbing and tunnel kilns, it picks up marks from the fire: a natural glaze where wood ash melts on the surface, red blotches called hi-iro, and haikaburi, where falling ash fuses to the pot. The simple, earthy feel is the point. The tanuki raccoon dog is the town's trademark. It is made in Koka in Shiga, as vases, tableware, umbrella stands, ornaments, planters and garden pieces.

Three clays, high fire

Local kibushi, gairome and mizuchi clays are crushed, mixed and kneaded with water. Pieces are shaped on the wheel and dried, bisque-fired, glazed and then fired at about 1,200°C.

From an emperor's palace to braziers

Shigaraki pottery is said to begin when Emperor Shomu had tiles fired for his Shigaraki Palace in the 8th century. In the Kamakura period it made water and seed jars, and from the Muromachi to Momoyama period, many famous tea wares. In the Edo period, climbing kilns turned out tea jars and daily ware. From the Taisho period to World War II, hibachi braziers were its main product.