Shigaraki ware is known for its unique "wabi-sabi" aesthetic, which emphasizes simplicity, imperfection, and rustic beauty. The use of Ko-Shigaraki clay gives it a special earthy texture and a number of unique features, such as the natural ash glaze ("beedoro-yu") that forms when ash settles on the pottery during firing, the subtle reddish or light brownish hue ("hiiro") that appears on the surface due to the iron content in the clay, and the distinctive black-brown burn mark effect (“yakimono”) seen in areas buried under firewood ash during firing.
Shigaraki ware has a long and venerable history that traces back over 1,250 years to Shiga Prefecture, Japan’s oldest pottery-producing region. A piece of Shigaraki ware is not only a beautiful addition to any collection but is also a way to connect with Japan's rich cultural heritage.
