Art & Craft > Ceramic > Shigaraki yaki
Cup & Mug, Tea Bowl , Tea Pot , Sake cup & bottle, Bowl & Plate , Donabe , Flower Vase , Ornament & Doll
Shigaraki-yaki is one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns, produced in the town of Shigaraki (Kōka City), Shiga Prefecture. With a legacy of over 1,200 years, it is renowned for its coarse iron-rich clay, natural ash glazes, and the distinctive warm hues that emerge from wood-fired kilns.
At Manekineko-Ai, we offer authentic Shigaraki pieces sourced directly from master artisans in Shigaraki—each piece bearing the earthy texture, true fire-born character, and timeless beauty crafted in one of Japan’s oldest ceramic traditions.
History of Shigaraki-yaki
Shigaraki-yaki traces its origins back to the Nara-Heian era when tiles for the imperial palace were produced in the region.
By the Muromachi and Momoyama periods, it had become a celebrated ware for tea ceremony vessels, prized by tea masters for its rustic simplicity and wabi-sabi aesthetic.
During the Edo period and beyond, industrial-scale production expanded, including garden ware and large vessels. Today, Shigaraki continues to evolve, preserving centuries-old techniques while adapting to modern daily use.
Characteristics & Techniques
• Iron-rich Coarse Clay
Shigaraki clay originates from ancient sediments at the bottom of Lake Biwa and is highly fire-resistant—resulting in pieces that show rich reddish-brown and burnt tones.
• Natural Ash Glaze & Fired Marks
Wood-fired kilns with climbing design (nobori-gama) create unpredictable variations: ash drips form natural glaze, and “yōhen” (fire markings) give each piece a unique surface.
• Warm Texture & Wabi-Sabi Aesthetic
With an unrefined yet tactile surface, Shigaraki ware brings the spirit of Japanese tea culture and rustic beauty into everyday life.
• Versatility in Usage
From tea bowls, sake vessels, and dinnerware to garden ornaments and the famous tanuki figurines, Shigaraki’s clay heritage is imbued across a wide range of objects.
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.
