信楽焼の伝統とは、常に変化する文化の「受容と接続」です。 いつも存在したのは器をこしらえる為に適した「環境」と「技術」。今はなき400万年前の古琵琶湖という陶土の源と、ゆれうごく歴史によって移り住んだ渡来の技術者たち。歴史の表舞台からさほど遠くない地政要因が大きく関係しているのでしょう。偶然か必然か、この出会いが今の信楽をかたち作りました。「自然」や「文化」は、豊かさをもたらしますが、時に厳しい試練も与えてきます。都や町は、華やかで洗練された事物とは裏腹に、たまに素朴で暖かなものも求めるようです。先人は時代に揉まれ、時代をつかみ、時代が求めるうつわを日々淡々と作る暮らしを続けてきました。変幻自在、大胆巧妙。いつの時代も、「気張り、汗を流し、あかるく、おおらかに…」
The tradition of Shigaraki pottery is the “acceptance and connection” of a constantly changing culture. It has always been about the right “environment” and “technology” to shape the pottery. The source of the clay is the ancient Lake Biwa, which is 400 million years old, and the techniques were brought over by migrating craftsmen. Political factors from not-so-distant history have greatly influenced this area. Whether by chance or necessity, this encounter shaped Shigaraki pottery into what it is today. “Nature” and “culture” bring richness, but also sometimes harsh trials. Cities and towns sometimes seek simple and warm things, even though they are surrounded by glamorous and sophisticated things. Our ancestors lived a life of shaping pottery that was suitable for the times, grasping the times and continuing to shape the pottery that the times demanded, calmly every day. Flexible and ingeniously bold. Regardless of the era, “bold, sweating, bright, and hospitable…”
