Meizan Kiln

Meizan Kiln Ancient Shigaraki Plate - Square

CHF 35.50
CHF 35.50
Tax included.

A plate that celebrates the rustic clay character of Ancient Shigaraki.
This plate was created by Meizan Kiln, a pottery that has continued in Shigaraki for approximately 400 years, to bring the appealing character of Ko-Shigaraki to contempor ...

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Colour:
Size/Specs

Material: Ceramics

Weight: Approximately M: 650g, L: 1020g

Notes: Simple box (19.4×20.6×2.6cm)

M: Approximately 19.0×15.0×1.0cm

L: Approximately 23.5×18.5×1.0cm

Handling Precautions

Handling Precautions
  • The color, pattern, and dimensions of each product are made by hand. Therefore, there may be slight differences from the photos. Also, the appearance of the product may differ slightly depending on the environment (monitor) of the computer, etc.
  • Please be careful when handling as dragging may scratch furniture, etc.
  • Microwave safe.
  • Dishwasher safe, but hand washing is recommended to extend the life of ceramic products. Also, overfilling may cause damage, so please use with care.
  • Not oven safe.
  • Please note that leaving it with dirt on it may cause mold and stains.
  • Ceramic products are delicate and easily damaged. Please be careful when handling.
About the Quality of Koshigaraki Plates
  • The finish is not too smooth so that you can enjoy the pure expression of the clay. Stones and brown scorch marks appear on the surface, and even the same product may have subtle differences in color depending on the firing condition, but please understand that this is a characteristic of pottery and enjoy the differences in each expression. Also, if it is left wet, it may cause mold to grow, so please wash it as soon as possible after use and dry it well.
  • Koshigaraki plates are products made from rough clay mixed with pebbles. When pebbles are fired at high temperatures, they expand and pop, or melt and become round. In pottery terms, this is called "stone haze" or "arare", and is considered to be something to be admired and enjoyed.

[Stone haze]

When feldspar contained in the clay explodes during firing and is exposed on the surface, it is called "stone haze". If the edge of the plate appears chipped, it is because a small stone has exploded and disappeared.

[Hailstone]

The feldspar contained in Shigaraki clay melts when the temperature in the kiln reaches 1250 to 1280 degrees, and turns into white glass-like particles that appear on the surface of the clay. These white particles are also called "crab eyes" because they look like crab eyes.

[Crackle]

As the pottery cools after firing, the crack-like pattern created by the difference in the shrinkage of the base of the pottery itself and the glaze is called crackle. You can hear the "ping-ping" sound of the crackle when you stand next to the pottery while it is cooling.

[Color unevenness (shade)]

Old Shigaraki uses glazes made from primitive materials, and its natural and wide range of colors is its charm. In addition, the kiln flames create a phenomenon called "yoen," which creates various patterns due to overlapping colors, giving the piece a rich look.

[Iron powder]

Pottery contains various components such as iron and microorganisms in the soil, which can appear on the surface as black dots when fired. This is a quality product that has been inspected, so please understand that this is the texture of pottery and enjoy it.

[Please use while appreciating it]

There is always a reason why pottery has its own look. We believe that if you use it while imagining how it was made, it will become more familiar to you.

A lineup that beautifully showcases sweets and dishes for versatile use

Available in 2 colors - "White Glaze" and "Green Glaze", 2 sizes - M and L, and 2 shapes - round and square. Despite their simple, flat plate form, they're versatile for everything from tea accompaniments to lunch service. The "White Glaze" features white glaze applied only to the surface, creating an attractive contrast with the unglazed scarlet-colored sides. This versatile design pairs well with both Japanese and Western styles. Meanwhile, the "Green Glaze" showcases the warmth of the clay base with mottled deep green glass-like glaze, offering delightful variations in color and texture. The highlight is the crazing - crack-like patterns in the glaze known as "kannyuu." The L size is perfect for serving multiple items or for luxurious presentations that make use of negative space. The M size is ideal for serving small sweets. We recommend alternating between the soft impression of the round shape and the refined look of the square.

Koshigaraki crafted with dedication by a Shigaraki kiln that has continued since the Edo period

Made by Meizan Kiln in Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture. Founded around 1600, this pottery continues to preserve the history and techniques of Shigaraki-yaki while constantly challenging new methods and expressions. The current generation master of Meizan Kiln has a deep love for Shigaraki's traditional aesthetic and the landscapes created by natural glazes. To make this charm accessible at modern dining tables, they ingeniously refined their methods and created this modern arrangement - the Koshigaraki plate series.

Distinctive landscapes born from clay

"Koshigaraki" refers to jars and vessels fired in the Shigaraki region during the Kamakura to Muromachi periods. Made using mountain clay mixed with small stones, these pieces were beloved for the clay's natural expressions that emerged through firing. Shigaraki has the ancient Lake Biwa geological layer, where animal and plant remains and granite sediment accumulated on the lake bottom approximately 3 million years ago. The clay, rich in feldspar and quartz particles, produces the distinctive kiln effects (youhen - color changes) unique to Shigaraki-yaki, known as hi-iro (fire color), haigaburi (ash glazing), and ishihaze (stone popping). While modern potters sometimes use materials from other locations, firing techniques that showcase the clay's natural character remain one of Shigaraki-yaki's enduring charms. These plates also use rough clay containing small stones, and are deliberately finished without over-refinement to celebrate this pure expression. Each piece offers unique Shigaraki landscapes - varying scarlet colors, glaze patterns, surface stones and brown scorch marks, and "popping" where small glass-like particles emerge on the surface.

Meizan Kiln

A pottery kiln in Shigaraki, one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, that has been creating ceramics for over 400 years. They treasure the distinctive "landscapes" unique to traditional Shigaraki-yaki, characterized by vessels that showcase scarlet colors, bidoro glaze, and the beauty of natural firing marks. They deliver vessels with soft, warm "landscapes" in forms that harmonize with contemporary dining tables.

  • Due to the components in the clay and firing conditions, subtle color differences may occur even in the same product, but this does not affect quality. Please understand this as a characteristic of pottery and enjoy the unique expression of each piece. Also, leaving the item wet may cause mold growth, so please wash as soon as possible after use and dry thoroughly.

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Delivery & returns

Free international shipping available on qualifying orders. Global shipping from Nara, Japan via DHL. Returns accepted within 14 days of delivery for unused items in original packaging (return shipping at customer's expense).

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