Shigaraki bowls are fired in Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture, unglazed, with ash falling naturally in the kiln forming a glassy natural glaze called bidoro. The result is a forceful expression of clay.
History
Shigaraki is one of the six ancient kilns and originally produced large vessels — jars and water containers. Bowls and tea containers followed from the Momoyama period. The strength of the clay and the effects of kiln transformation were prized by wabi practitioners, and bowls continue to be made.
Types
The coarseness of the clay, scorching, bidoro glaze, and kiln transformation are the points of interest. Because each piece differs even from the same firing, the encounter with a particular bowl is itself treated as unrepeatable.
In practice
Shigaraki suits wabi arrangements and gatherings taking clay itself as the subject. It is the most forgiving of the unglazed wares in daily use, since there is no glaze to chip.
About this article
Edited by the operator of Chaen (a one-person operation) / Last updated:
Tea ceremony descriptions can vary by school and source. Where interpretations differ, this glossary avoids definitive claims and focuses on broadly shared understandings. If you notice an error, please let us know viaContact. To learn about our organization, seeAbout Chaen.
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