Antique Large Japanese Shigaraki Natural Ash Stoneware Vessel, Signed

Details

Description

Antique Large Japanese Shigaraki Natural Ash Stoneware Vessel

Origin: Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture

Medium: Stoneware with natural ash glaze, areas of … Read more Antique Large Japanese Shigaraki Natural Ash Stoneware Vessel

Origin: Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture

Medium: Stoneware with natural ash glaze, areas of shino glaze, and sgraffito decoration

Dimensions: Height: 33 cm (13 in); Diameter: 26 cm (10.25 in)

Markings: Stamped potter's cipher (kaō) on the base

Condition: Excellent condition with no structural damage. Surface wear and natural abrasions consistent with age and use.

Description:

This substantial stoneware vessel represents the Shigaraki ceramic tradition, characterized by its embrace of natural materials and firing effects. The piece exhibits the classic features of Shigaraki ware: the coarse, warm-toned clay body shows distinctive "fire color" (hi-iro) surfaces with random ash glazing and smoke markings from wood-firing in a climbing kiln (noborigama). The potter has enhanced the natural effects with intentional shino glaze applications and sgraffito incisions around the neck, creating a dialogue between chance occurrence and artistic control.

About Shigaraki Ware:

Shigaraki is one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns (Nihon Rokkoyō) with production dating to the Kamakura period (1185-1333). The region's coarse, feldspathic clay produces distinctive works marked by natural ash deposits, glassy vitrification, and the characteristic orange-peel texture achieved through high-temperature wood firing. Originally producing utilitarian storage jars, Shigaraki ware gained prominence in the tea ceremony tradition and later became important within the Mingei (folk craft) movement. The aesthetic values the marks of the firing process - ash deposits, scorch marks, and clay coloration - as records of the ceramic's journey through the kiln. See less