The History of Shigaraki Ware Is a Tale of Adaptation: Why Has It Been Beloved for Over 800 Years?

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When you hear the words Shigaraki ware, two distinct images might come to mind. One is the world of simple yet powerful tea ceremony utensils, filled with the spirit of wabi-sabi. The other is the charming raccoon dog (tanuki) figurine, a good luck charm for business prosperity, often seen standing by the entrance of shops. These seemingly contrasting faces actually reflect the dynamic, 800-year-plus history of the Shigaraki production area itself.

In this article, we'll journey back in time to trace the incredible story of "adaptation"—how Shigaraki ware has responded to the demands of the times, transforming itself to survive to this day.

The Kamakura Period: Beginnings as Farmers' "Tools"

The ceramic industry that directly led to today's Shigaraki ware began in earnest in the mid-Kamakura period, during the 13th century. What was being made back then were not works of art or luxury items. The core production consisted of practical "tools" indispensable to the daily, agriculture-centered lives of the people, such as large jars (kame), pots (tsubo), and grinding bowls (suribachi).

What's particularly fascinating is that Shigaraki ware of that time was heavily influenced by the more technologically advanced Tokoname ware. This shows that Shigaraki ware didn't start on a unique path from the beginning, but rather by learning and incorporating superior techniques from other production centers. Its products were designed with functionality as the top priority, and distribution was limited to nearby regions like Omi (present-day Shiga Prefecture), Kyo (Kyoto), and Yamato (present-day Nara Prefecture). During this era, Shigaraki ware was not yet known nationwide; it was a craft that supported the lives of local people.