Shigaraki-yaki is one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns (Nihon Rokkoyo), produced for over 1,300 years in Koka City, Shiga Prefecture. Its signature rustic warmth comes from the local clay, rich in feldspar, which fires to a natural orange-red hue with characteristic ash-glaze traces and stone bursts.
Shigaraki is especially beloved for its tanuki figurines, believed to bring good fortune, and for its tea ceremony vessels, donabe clay pots, flower vases, and tableware that embody the wabi-sabi aesthetic.
At Manekineko-Ai, we source Shigaraki pottery directly from artisans in Koka, offering pieces that carry the quiet power and warmth of this ancient tradition.
For daily table use, look for pieces with visible stone-grain texture and warm reddish tones — these reveal the clay’s character. For display or interior use, tall vases or large bowls with ash-glaze drips showcase the kiln’s power and beauty. Although rustic, Shigaraki items are very durable and suited for everyday meals, making them both practical and aesthetic.
