Shigaraki Jar

Object Registry

Collection
Handmade Objects

Object
Shigaraki Jar

Period
Edo period, 18th–19th century

Origin
Shigaraki, Japan

Maker
Unknown

Object Genesis

Attributed to Shigaraki and believed to date from the Edo period, this jar carries the material character associated with traditional Shigaraki ware.

Its coarse clay, visible feldspar and naturally wood-fired surface reveal the effect of earth, flame and ash. The wear, firing marks and hand-thrown form remain visible, giving the jar a surface shaped as much by use and time as by its original making.

The simple utilitarian form suggests it was most likely used to store grain, although it may also have held water or other foodstuffs.

What remains is not only the vessel itself, but the trace of how it was made, used and carried through time.

Object Character

Attributed to the Edo period, 18th–19th century

Attributed to Shigaraki, Japan

Hand-thrown utilitarian form

Coarse clay with visible feldspar

Naturally wood-fired surface

Firing marks and age-related wear

One of a kind

Object Information

Material
Wood-fired stoneware, attributed to Shigaraki

Period
Edo period, 18th–19th century

Attributed origin
Shigaraki, Japan

Likely use
Grain storage, possibly water or other foodstuffs

Dimensions
Approximately 325 × 280 mm

Availability
One of a kind

Experience the Collection

Historical objects are best understood through their material presence. Discover the Handmade Objects collection alongside authored porcelain materials and contemporary ceramics by appointment at plonc. Studio.