About Shigaraki Yaki : The style of ceramics of Shigaraki Yaki was born in the 8th century, in the town of which it bears the name, today Shiga Prefecture. Difficult times followed the Heian era, which led this region of Japan to have to produce ceramics quickly, without depending on Chinese imports. Artisans will therefore turn to a local clay resource, taken from the bottom of Lake Biwa a few kilometers away. Shigaraki ceramics have an original texture and make it a very popular style in Japan. One of the most famous figures of this style is certainly the tanuki, Japanese marten dog with giant testicles, who never comes out without his hat and bottle of sake. But Shigaraki Yaki are also very beautiful objects for tea, dishes, and utensils for serving sake.