BECOME A PART OF A 700 YEAR CERAMIC LEGACY
FUNDRAISER COUNTDOWN
Join our mission to preserve Shigaraki ceramics — one of the six ancient kilns of Japan. By bringing new apprentices to learn pottery techniques from the master artisans of Shigaraki, their inherited knowledge will pass to the next generation.
We have an opportunity to Save Shigaraki ceramics
Right now, there is a rare confluence of conditions that would allow us to preserve a craft that’s existed since 1250. If left unsupported, we run the risk of losing expert artisan knowledge in the next generation.
A tradition of material honesty since 1250
THE LEGACY OF SHIGARAKI
Shigaraki is one of the six ancient kilns of Japan.
Originating in the Kamakura period, the kilns of Shigaraki have endured with impressive adaptability ever since.
The rich clay sourced from local quarries has been used in tools for tea ceremony as well as household goods — maintaining relevance across the ages.
Pieces fired at high temperature create opportunities for interaction between fire, ash, and clay, creating completely unique pieces every time.
By allowing the raw materiality of the clay to speak for itself, the resulting pieces are at once rustic and refined.
OUR CHANCE
The average age of Shigaraki ceramicists is 50, which means it is essential that new hands are at the wheel and firing the kilns in order to preserve this ancient craft.
Even though they’re aging, master knowledge is still active and teachable.
But we must act now.
WE'RE BUILDING A CERAMICS APPRENTICE PROGRAM, SET TO START 2027
And we're not starting from scratch. The good news is that the critical components are already in place:
Reputation, Infrastructure, and Expertise
Legacy Partner: This program will be hosted at Oogoya, a 150-year-old kiln and workshop in Shigaraki.
Traditional Kiln + Ceramics Workshop: Oogoya boasts a traditional, climbing-style snake kiln (jagama). It is fired and managed by expert kilnsmen. The on-site workshop is a fully-functioning manufacturing facility.
Master Ceramics Instructors: The program will harness the expertise of master potters to teach apprentices inherited techniques.
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With this apprentice program, we will create a formal structure for expert knowledge to be passed on.
Here's what we aim to build:
Education, Accommodation, and Continuity
Program Design: POJ Studio is building the pedagogical framework for the apprenticeship to ensure participants can fully participate in the legacy of Shigaraki ware.
A Place to Live and Learn: Oogoya is a working kiln, and we want participants to be able to immerse in the environment full-time. This requires an on-site solution.
Staying power: We are building a long-term strategy that positions Shigaraki in the modern market so Shigaraki ware endures through for the next generation of artisans.
Where you come in
This is a working kiln that doesn't have the on-site accommodations necessary to support rotating cohorts of apprentices. This fundraiser is to build the residence that will host the apprentices who come to learn from the master ceramicists. We have enlisted the help of traditional temple carpenters for the construction.
GET REWARDS FOR BECOMING A SUPPORTER
HELP PRESERVE SHIGARAKI CERAMICS
Learn more about our mission to turn the dream of a Ceramics Apprentice Program into a reality. Contribute on Kickstarter and get rewards from POJ Studio and Oogoya for your support.