What Is Shigaraki Ware?
— A Timeless Art Born from Earth, Fire, and Human Spirit —
Among Japan’s many ceramic traditions, Shigaraki ware stands out for its rustic warmth and quiet dignity. Produced mainly in Shigaraki, Koka City, Shiga Prefecture, this pottery has been crafted for over 700 years and is recognized as one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns—a designation reserved for the country’s most historically significant pottery styles.
But what exactly is Shigaraki ware?
Let’s explore its charm, unique features, long history, and the new directions it’s taking today—alongside our own ongoing projects to carry its spirit into the modern world.
A Journey Through Time: The History of Shigaraki Ware
The story of Shigaraki ware dates back to the Kamakura period (13th century). Originally, it was used to make everyday household items—jars, pots, and mortars. Over time, as the tea ceremony culture flourished, demand for tea utensils grew, and Shigaraki ware found new purpose and prestige.
During the Momoyama period (late 16th century), the natural tones and spontaneous patterns created by firing were celebrated by tea masters like Sen no Rikyū, who valued imperfection and simplicity under the aesthetic of wabi-sabi.
Later, in the Edo period (17th–19th centuries), the introduction of climbing kilns (noborigama) allowed potters to increase production, leading to a wider variety of goods—from storage jars and hibachi to the now-iconic tanuki (raccoon dog) statues. This innovation helped spread Shigaraki ware’s reputation throughout Japan.
The Distinctive Features of Shigaraki Ware
Shigaraki ware’s identity lies in three key elements: its local clay, its natural glaze, and its organic individuality.
1. The Clay of Shigaraki
The clay used in Shigaraki ware comes from the surrounding mountains. Rich in iron and highly fire-resistant, it produces earthy tones and subtle textures when fired. Because of its coarse grain, Shigaraki clay often retains a slightly rough, tactile surface that feels honest and alive.
2. Natural Glaze and “Fire Color”
Unlike many ceramics, Shigaraki ware often uses little to no glaze. Instead, during wood firing, ash from the burning logs naturally settles onto the pottery, melts at high temperatures, and creates a natural ash glaze (shizen-yu). The result is a glassy sheen that seems to have grown directly from the earth.
When flames touch the surface, the iron in the clay reacts and turns a warm orange-red, known as “fire color” (hi-iro). These effects—impossible to replicate exactly—make every piece truly one of a kind.
3. Freedom of Form
Because Shigaraki ware emphasizes the beauty of raw clay rather than glossy perfection, its forms are often irregular or asymmetrical. A gentle warp, a hairline crack, or a spot of uneven color isn’t a flaw—it’s a signature of character. Each imperfection adds to the individuality and charm of the piece.
Shigaraki Ware in Modern Life
Shigaraki ware is more than a link to Japan’s past—it continues to evolve with the rhythms of modern life.
Its warmth and natural presence make it ideal for everyday use, from dinnerware to home decor. Each time you hold a Shigaraki cup or bowl, the surface grows smoother, and its tones deepen—a quiet reminder that beauty can grow through use.
Beyond Japan, Shigaraki ware has attracted international collectors, designers, and art enthusiasts, becoming a global symbol of Japanese craftsmanship and minimal beauty.
Our Challenge: “Shigaraki × Sauna × E-Commerce”
Revitalizing Local Communities Through Sauna and Craft
In Japan, sauna culture has become a movement—particularly among people in their 20s and 30s who travel in search of “sauna retreats.” We’ve brought this trend together with the challenge of rural revitalization by developing lodging facilities with Shigaraki-designed saunas.
From the walls to the interiors and sauna stones, Shigaraki materials infuse the space with warmth and texture. Visitors can immerse themselves—literally—in an environment shaped by earth and fire, feeling the calm, tactile essence of Shigaraki through all five senses.
A Hands-On E-Commerce Experience
Our experience-based e-commerce platform goes beyond selling pottery. It allows visitors to create their own Shigaraki pieces during their stay and even sell their works online afterward.
Your handmade piece becomes both a tangible memory and a story that continues beyond your trip. Somewhere in the world, someone might be using a cup you crafted—continuing the connection between creator and user through time.
This emotional cycle of creation, sharing, and rediscovery not only enriches personal experiences but also contributes to regional revitalization and sustainable local industries.
Shaping the Future of Shigaraki Ware
Our goal is not to preserve Shigaraki ware as a relic of the past, but to evolve it into the future—keeping its soul alive through new expressions.
Balancing tradition and innovation is never easy, but that’s exactly where creativity thrives.
“Pottery you buy” → “Pottery you experience, create, and share.”
“Craft” → “Lifestyle.”
“Local tradition” → “Global art that resonates.”
What makes this possible are passion, imagination, and an unshakable love for Shigaraki.
In Closing
Shigaraki ware is born from earth, fire, and human hands. It carries both timelessness—a beauty unchanged for centuries—and adaptability, evolving with every new generation.
We want to make Shigaraki more accessible, more joyful, and more global—without losing the warmth that makes it special.
If this story inspires you to hold a Shigaraki piece, to use one in your home, or even to create your own, we hope it brings you a moment of connection—between yourself, time, and the quiet artistry of the earth.
Together, let’s keep the story of Shigaraki ware alive, one experience at a time.