Shigaraki ware tea storage jar

Shigaraki was one of the ancient centres of pottery producing domestic wares, in the area which now forms Shiga Prefecture. Robust, thick-walled Shigaraki ware has been made since the Kamakura period (1185-1333). It is made with a sandy clay containing felspar which is distinctly visible through the ash glaze. This jar is typical of the ware, with characteristic incised circles around the shoulder.