Large Jar

Collection NumberA003988
TitleLarge Jar
DateMuromachi period, 15th century.
Artist, Kiln, Workshop信楽窯　Shigaraki ware
Name of prefectures & citiesShiga prefecture, Japan
Description of works【Adopting Tokoname techniques, Shigaraki achieved ceramics with impressive surfaces】
In the 13th century CE, the pottery-making techniques of the Tokoname Kilns in Aichi Prefecture were brought to the Shigaraki Kilns, and spread among the kilns in Koka City in Shiga Prefecture. This ogame (large wide-mouthed jar) in good condition is a rare example of Shigaraki ware. Only a small number of ogame were produced, because the kilns’ location in the mountains, away from the sea, made the transport of such large objects difficult.
One enchanting feature of Shigaraki ware is expressive designs appearing on the surface that vary piece by piece. This piece, for example, exhibits different shades of brown in great contrast to the off-white base that was covered with the ashes inside the kiln that settled naturally on the jar, grains of feldspar emerging in white, pits resulting from carbonized wood splinters in the clay that were burnt, and other attractive features.

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