Shigaraki ware

Japanese stoneware found in the Shigaraki valley, Southern Shiga prefecture,1185-1333. Included were vessels for domestic use such as narrow-mouthed jars and mortar bowls. In 1632, Shigaraki ware became the official ware for tea storage vessels for the Tokugawa Shogunate. Since the 19th century, production has shifted to various wares such as planters, braziers and sake jugs. Typically, the style is characterized by reddish brown and coarse grained wares, with white specks of feldspar or quartz that melt during firing and protrude from the surface.