Shigaraki Ware Tessan Sake Set
Shigaraki ware has a long tradition of being fired in noborigama (climbing kilns) and anagama (wood-fired kilns) at high temperatures over extended periods. Each piece is shaped, dried, and fired by artisans who carefully read the flow of flame, humidity, and the character of the clay—creating work in harmony with nature. No two pieces are ever exactly alike.
Tessan features a gentle, rustic white base scattered with iron specks (black dots), achieved by using iron-rich clay. Each piece is unique, with variations in the intensity of red hues and the distribution of iron spots.
The katakuchi (pouring vessel) shape enhances the aroma and flavor of sake as it is poured. Ideal not only for chilled sake, but also for warmed sake.
Details
Care
Choose options
Artisan
Furutani Pottery Studio
Rooted in the traditions of Shigaraki ware, Furutani Pottery Studio creates vessels that harmonize timeless craftsmanship with modern living. Using an original blend of iron-rich red clay coated with white slip, each piece is twice-fired at a relatively low temperature to achieve a soft, matte kohiki finish. With gentle forms, subtle white textures, and the natural character of Shigaraki clay, their works embody a quiet elegance designed to enrich everyday life.
Mastery
Shigaraki Ware
Originating over 750 years ago in the Kamakura period, Shigaraki ware first emerged as utilitarian vessels such as tea jars and storage pots. By the Muromachi period, it became deeply intertwined with Japan’s tea ceremony culture, celebrated for its rustic warmth and natural beauty. The local clay of Shigaraki, rich in feldspar and quartz, produces distinctive natural markings — soft freckles (kannyu) and stone bursts (ishihaze) — during firing. Ash falling in the kiln melts into a natural glass-like bidoro glaze, while reddish hi-iro tones emerge from the play of flame and heat. Shigaraki’s unique charm lies in these natural transformations — an art of earth and fire that celebrates imperfection and the quiet beauty of clay itself.