Storage Jar

Massive Shigaraki jars—named for the valley of their production—are among the most compelling ceramic works of Japan’s medieval period. This one was constructed in four sections, gradually building up thick coils of clay to form the torso and wide shoulders. The grayish-white material is rich in iron and feldspar, a composition characteristic of Shigaraki and thus imparting a local flavor. In the kiln, it turns a reddish-brown color—this well-fired example shows a warm, deep tone across its unglazed body—while the melting of grains of feldspar speckles the exterior with small white dots that lend texture to the vessel’s powerful form. On the fire-facing side of this jar, a layer of dark-green natural wood ash glaze has formed, including streaks descending from the neck to the base. The “landscape” of the surface is a collaboration among the clay, the wood-fired kiln, and the potter’s hand.