SHIGARAKI CERAMIC BATH


Cradled in a vessel of Zen, you become whole.

Meditation Hot Bath — 無 Handcrafted Shigaraki Ceramic Tub Shaped by hand from ancient Shigaraki clay, this custom-made bath is born through the quiet discipline of traditional Japanese ceramic craftsmanship. It is not merely a vessel of water, but a sanctuary for the soul— a space where body and spirit dissolve into stillness. Infused with the gentle gifts of nature— far-infrared warmth, negative ions, and healing ores— this bath becomes a place of release, where the self fades, and silence becomes presence. To bathe here is not to wash the body, but to return to 無 (mu)— to that which is before thought, before name. To simply be.

  • Natural Elements Adorning a Custom Home

    When creating the perfect home, every detail matters—not just the architecture but the materials, the fixtures, and the essence of each element. Among them, the Shigaraki ceramic bathtub brings a subtle yet profound beauty. Made from Shigaraki’s coarse, fire-resistant clay, these generously sized bathtubs are more than just functional; they are a Zen-like work of art that soothes the soul.

  • The Origins of the Shigaraki Ceramic Bathtub

    Fifteen years ago, while visiting a hot spring inn, a simple yet revolutionary idea was born: "What if we crafted a bathtub from Shigaraki ware?" From that spark of inspiration emerged the Shigaraki ceramic bathtub—a piece designed not only for bathing but for embracing a lifestyle of serenity and warmth. With an unwavering passion, we pour our hearts into crafting these one-of-a-kind bathtubs, ensuring they reach people all around the world.

  • A Legacy of Over 1,300 Years

    More than 1,300 years ago, during the era when Nara was the capital of Japan, historical records indicate that the molds for the Great Buddha's head were fired in Shigaraki kilns. This suggests that even back then, Shigaraki was home to massive kilns capable of producing large-scale ceramics. Initially, these kilns were primarily used for firing roof tiles, but over time, Shigaraki's artisans honed their craft, producing rustic yet enduring pottery. Unlike feudal-era kilns operated under the patronage of nobility, Shigaraki’s pottery has always been rooted in the hands of independent craftsmen. And when it comes to history, few can rival Shigaraki’s lineage.

  • The Unique Properties of Shigaraki Clay

    Shigaraki clay is coarse and highly resistant to fire, making it ideal for creating large ceramic pieces such as jars, urns, and, of course, bathtubs. There are two primary methods of firing ceramics: oxidation firing, where the temperature is gradually increased, and reduction firing, where the flames themselves interact directly with the clay. Reduction-fired ceramics exhibit unparalleled durability, withstanding extreme cold and impact far better than their oxidation-fired counterparts. This technique, which we proudly use, has become a hallmark of our craftsmanship.
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Strength That Withstands Time

Handled with care, reduction-fired Shigaraki pottery can last for centuries—if not millennia. While sudden temperature shocks, such as pouring hot water into a frozen vessel, may cause cracks, the inherent durability of Shigaraki ware is undeniable. Just as Jomon-era pottery still endures today, a Shigaraki bathtub placed in an outdoor setting will remain unscathed for generations, a silent witness to the passage of time.

Each Shigaraki ceramic bathtub is not just a vessel for water but a testament to an ancient craft, a celebration of natural beauty, and a sanctuary for the soul.

A New Form, Born from the Hands of Artisans

A new design takes shape through the meticulous process of carving after complete drying.
By shaving away the excess and refining its form,
the ceramic surface gains a unique expression a texture unlike any other material,
carrying an unexpected warmth.
This is something no machine can replicate,
a testament to the life breathed into the clay by human hands.

Now, the oval bathtub is finally coming to life.
With the experience of crafting over a thousand tubs,
this new challenge is met with precision and confidence.
The base gauge plate, prepared in advance,
ensures smooth and flawless shaping.
Every touch, every stroke is infused with the artisan’s skill and dedication.

The photograph captures the final stage—the finishing
touches on the rim after the main body has been formed.
But beyond this moment, the process remains a closely guarded secret.
The passion poured into each piece is never spoken of,
yet it quietly lingers within, embedded in the soul of the bathtub itself.

The photograph captures the bathtub before its final polishing— its surface still raw, quietly breathing in its natural state.
Faint undulations remain, whispering of the delicate refinement to come, as if awaiting the gentle touch that will soon unveil its true beauty.

The next photo captures a moment in the carving process. The clay surface remains rough, textured like sand. Yet, once the glaze is applied, its expression transforms.Beneath the rawness, a gentle warmth begins to emerge, revealing its true character.

The bathtub, freshly carved, stands in quiet elegance. Polishing is done entirely by hand—palms gliding, fingertips seeking the slightest imperfections. Touch reveals more than sight ever could. Even as our hands grew red, we smoothed and refined, deep into the night— as if tracing it with love.

And finally, the carving process has come to an end. The form is complete, quietly breathing in its newfound shape. And so, this bathtub becomes more than a vessel. It becomes a work of art, each layer infused with the hands, the spirit, and the passion of its maker.

A Graceful Ceramic Bathtub: A Bathroom Where Modernity Meets Warmth

  • On a hill in Nanzan, Aichi, a white concrete silhouette stands against the clear sky. Residence I is a home that embodies serene beauty.

    Architect U and the homeowner began discussing this house two years ago. Carefully weaving together the conditions of the site, the way of life of the family, and the atmosphere they sought, the home gradually took shape. Every residence designed by U is unique—shaped by deep consideration, reflecting the homeowner’s vision, and brought to life by the hands of skilled artisans. There is no place for ready-made products in his designs. Window sashes, door handles, switches, bookshelves, kitchen furniture—each element is meticulously crafted, a singular piece imbued with intention. Through the hands of artisans, these components take form on-site, seamlessly becoming part of the home as if they had always belonged there.

  • This philosophy extended even to the bathroom. U never considered using an acrylic bathtub, certain that it would disrupt the harmony of the space. Instead, he selected an oval-shaped ceramic bathtub from Shigaraki. Its design is simple yet profound, its ceramic texture retaining the warmth of natural materials. Enhanced with germanium powder for a soothing experience, the bathtub promises tranquil moments of relaxation.
    U gently conveyed the necessity of this choice to the homeowner, who embraced it wholeheartedly. The result is a modern and open bathroom. In its spacious expanse, the elegantly contoured ceramic bathtub sits in quiet repose. Its flowing silhouette recalls Italian design, yet its ceramic surface exudes a gentle warmth, enriching the space with a natural softness.

    This home is the result of an architect’s discerning eye, the artisans’ mastery, and, above all, a sincere passion for creating something truly exceptional. Filled with this dedicated energy, the residence will surely be cherished for years to come, offering a place of peace and comfort to those who dwell within.

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