 Image search results - "Ceramic" |
Local pottery called Izura Tenshin-yaki started about 25 years ago by the local Chamber of Commerce. Clay called "gairome" (蛙目) found locally is used. The clay is found in this area under the coal deposits. They collect the clay already exposed on the ground (no digging). This type of clay contains quartz, but the large quartz pieces are removed for pottery.
|
|
A short bus ride takes you to Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park, opened in June 1990. Open from 9 am to 5 pm, closed on Mon. (open if a national holiday and closed on Tue.). This is Shigaraki's main attraction and home of Shigaraki-yaki pottery.
|
|
Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park is called Togei no Mori in Japanese. It is operated by Shiga Prefecture. Free admission. 陶芸の森 MAP
|
|
Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park is in a large park-like area with various pottery facilities such as this Exhibition Hall of Industrial Ceramics. 産業展示館
|
|
When I visited in mid-Oct., the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park was holding the Ceramic Art Market. Notice the tents for the ceramic artists selling their works.
|
|
The Ceramic Art Market in Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park has ceramics artists having their own booth to sell their wares.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shigaraki Tanuki mascot walked around the site.
|
|
Confection
|
|
Inside the Exhibition Hall of Industrial Ceramics. 産業展示館
|
|
Steps going up the hill at Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park. Good exercise.
|
|
Greenery at the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park.
|
|
Azaleas would be beautiful in early May.
|
|
At the top of the hill is the Museum of Contemporary Ceramic Art called Togeikan. 陶芸館
|
|
Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park also has pottery kilns. Here's one "Anagama" cave kiln.
|
|
Pottery kilns require large amounts of wood.
|
|
"Anagama" kiln diagram and explanation in Japanese and English.
|
|
Noborigama sloping kiln 登り窯
|
|
"Anagama" kiln.
|
|
"Noborigama" sloping kiln 登り窯
|
|
Side entrances of noborigama kiln. 登り窯
|
|
Inside the kiln. This one was open and empty, but some were closed and you could feel the warmth on the door.
|
|
Inside a side entrance of a noborigama kiln. 登り窯
|
|
"Noborigama" kiln explanation in Japanese and English. 登り窯
|
|
"Noborigama" kiln
|
|
Ceramic seats
|
|
More outdoor ceramic art. This is outside the Institute of Ceramic Studies where invited artists in residence create and do research and workshops and lectures are held.
|
|
|
|
|
|
