Tour de Nippon in Koka Shigaraki
滋賀県南部に位置する信楽は、四方を丘陵に囲まれながらも、古くから近畿と東海を結ぶ交通の要所。良質な陶土と、茶道文化が興隆した京都・奈良に近いことが相まって信楽焼の産地として発展した。ひと口に信楽焼といっても、器や植木鉢、椅子にタイル、たぬきの置物までじつに豊かな表情をもつ。そんなものづくりの地で、焼き物という枠を超え、伝統や自然を再構築する人たちがいる。クリエイティブスピリットに溢れる人々に出会う旅へ。
Located in the southern part of Shiga Prefecture, Shigaraki is surrounded by hills on all sides, but has long been an important transportation hub connecting the Kinki and Tokai regions. The combination of the high quality clay and the proximity to Kyoto and Nara (where the tea ceremony culture flourished) led to its development as a production center for Shigaraki ware. Shigaraki ware has a rich variety of forms and expressions, ranging from vessels, flowerpots, chairs, tiles, and even raccoon dog figurines. In such a place of craftsmanship, there are people who go beyond the potter’s wheel to reconstruct tradition and nature. We are off on a journey to meet people full of such creative spirit.