Shigaraki

I finally made it to Shigaraki in May of this year (2016) after reading about the place since I was a young person. It was a pleasure to discover that it is a beautiful place (especially to go to by train) that still holds a sense of history and living culture. I was delighted to be able to visit ancient kilns and current working studios. I came away with a renewed passion for ceramics and woodfiring. So much so was the case that I have reversed my intention to avoid clay (something my wife Lily had never believed) and plan to build a new kiln. This blog will document the process (I hope).

One of the first and most hospitable was Minorugama where Kyoko and her husband made me tea and told me about good places to visit. Also a beautiful tea bowl (below)

 A favourite studio was that of Hozan Tanii, Tanikangama. He has over 10 different kilns, including an Anagama and an Anagama with chamber (Sutemma) attached. This got me thinking and reignited some plans that have been floating around in my head for years. 

 The tea bowl below is Hozan's work. It is fired with oak staves from the Suntory whisky distillery. The lustrous landscape of the bowl is beautiful.