Shigaraki, Blessed with Quality Clay
Shiga has been a land with quality clay, and has long flourished as home to pottery. The feature of Shigaraki is its texture. It is a simple earth-color, with no lavish tints. When baked at a high temperature, the partially burnt color adds a warm touch. It is no wonder it was loved by the tea masters who valued the wabi-sabi aesthetic of Japanese art.
Bowls for Practical Use
Nakata visited ”Ueta Naokata” the 5th, known as one of the two major masters of Shigaraki-yaki along with Shunsai Takahashi. He was born in Shigaraki and studied under his father the 4th, succeeding him as the 5th generation in 1976. He continued his studies and still works on his creations every day.
Nakata also spanned the potter’s wheel. Mr. Ueda is a regular member of the Japan Arts Association. The Japan Arts Association passes on the traditional ”kogei” of Japan and aims to create art for practical use. Of course Mr. Ueda’s works of art represent Shigaraki, and are somewhat expensive. However, because his pieces are created for practical use as well as for appreciation as art, it is easy to imagine them being used to drink great ”sake”.
