Shigaraki ware is one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns. Together with Bizen, Tamba, Echizen, Seto, and Tokoname, it is considered to be one of the most outstanding Japanese kilns with traditions that remain even today. It is said to have originated in the eighth century, when Emperor Shomu had tiles fired for the construction of the Shigaraki Palace. Because the unique earthy texture of Shigaraki ware is beloved, there is a wide variety of items available, from vases and tableware to ornaments and tiles. Wabi-sabi are two key aesthetic concepts of wabi or rustic beauty, both manmade and in nature, and sabi, or change, making things more valuable. In 1976 Shigaraki ware was designated as a National Traditional Craft and Shigaraki is popularly referred to as “Shigaraki, the pottery town”.
