About Shigaraki Japan

The town of Shigaraki is located in the Kansai region of central Japan. The beautiful forest and mountains surrounding the town inspire local artists to create earthenware art.

The town's ceramics history can be traced back to the year 742 when Emperor Shomu began plans to build an elegant palace in the area known as Shigaraki. The abundance of local clay made it possible to produce the roof tiles needed to construct his palace. Shigaraki was originally selected to be the site of the Daibutsu (Great Buddha). After a fire and an earthquake the palace was abandoned and the location for Daibutsu was moved to Todai-ji Temple in Nara where it remains today. After being abandoned by the Emperor, Shigaraki continued to develop as a center for ceramic art.

During medieval times the wood fire anagama (cave kiln) was introduced in Japan. A long tunnel kiln typically built on a hill with fire box on one end and a flue at the other. Today Shigaraki is home to one of the six remaining ancient kilns in Japan.

Shigaraki ceramics were greatly influenced by the Japanese tea ceremony which originated in the nearby towns of Kyoto and Nara. Many tea masters praised the unique style and natural earthy feel of Shigaraki ware.