*About the pottery style of Shigaraki-yaki
The pottery comes from Shigaraki region of Koka City ( also famous in early modern times for its ninja clan) in Shiga prefecture (twinned with the state of Michigan).The special quality of its clay sets it apart. Its rusticity has communicated the traditional Japanese spirit and the aesthetics of wabi and sabi to the present day.
A word of history
Pottery production seems to have begun more than 1200 years ago in 742, when the Emperor Shomu built a palace in Shigaraki from roof tiles and vessels fired from this local clay.Thanks to its central location on the main Japanese island, Shigaraki-yaki took on an important role in people’s daily lives (jars, vats, braziers) as well as in traditional arts such as the Japanese tea ceremony.
At the December 2008 visit to Michigan by Master Potter, Mr. Tamura
Master Tamura demonstrated his craft on stage, using his potter’s wheel to make the clay dance and bend into beautiful shapes. He offered advices in throwing pots. A brief outline of Shigaraki-yaki's history allowed the audience to experience all aspects of the unique role played by Shigaraki-yaki in Japanese history and culture.
Biographical sketch of the Pottery Master
Mr. Shizuo Tamura is President and board member of multiple pottery associations in Shigaraki and throughout Japan. His works have won numerous art awards and have been featured in exhibitions around Japan. Mr.Tamura’s unique artistic vision seeks to remain true to the traditional aesthetics of Shigaraki-yaki while also introducing modern, creative elements that will resonate with audiences internationally.
The pottery comes from Shigaraki region of Koka City ( also famous in early modern times for its ninja clan) in Shiga prefecture (twinned with the state of Michigan).The special quality of its clay sets it apart. Its rusticity has communicated the traditional Japanese spirit and the aesthetics of wabi and sabi to the present day.
A word of history
Pottery production seems to have begun more than 1200 years ago in 742, when the Emperor Shomu built a palace in Shigaraki from roof tiles and vessels fired from this local clay.Thanks to its central location on the main Japanese island, Shigaraki-yaki took on an important role in people’s daily lives (jars, vats, braziers) as well as in traditional arts such as the Japanese tea ceremony.
At the December 2008 visit to Michigan by Master Potter, Mr. Tamura
Master Tamura demonstrated his craft on stage, using his potter’s wheel to make the clay dance and bend into beautiful shapes. He offered advices in throwing pots. A brief outline of Shigaraki-yaki's history allowed the audience to experience all aspects of the unique role played by Shigaraki-yaki in Japanese history and culture.
Biographical sketch of the Pottery Master
Mr. Shizuo Tamura is President and board member of multiple pottery associations in Shigaraki and throughout Japan. His works have won numerous art awards and have been featured in exhibitions around Japan. Mr.Tamura’s unique artistic vision seeks to remain true to the traditional aesthetics of Shigaraki-yaki while also introducing modern, creative elements that will resonate with audiences internationally.
*courtesy photos by Shiga representative to Michigan, Ms. Miyamura, shigaken ATmsu.edu
