HIBI

Stone Burst

Stone Burst refers to small spots where feldspar contained in the clay bursts during firing and becomes visible on the surface.

If you notice tiny areas along the rim that look slightly chipped, these are places where small stones have burst and disappeared in the heat of the kiln. These natural marks are a characteristic feature of pottery and do not affect its use or quality.

Feldspar Particles

Shigaraki clay contains a high amount of feldspar. When the kiln temperature reaches around 1250–1280°C, the feldspar melts and forms small, white, glassy specks on the surface of the clay.

 These specks are affectionately called “kani-no-me”—literally “crab’s eyes”—for their delicate, dotted appearance. They are a natural feature of Shigaraki ware, reflecting the character of the clay and the heat of the kiln.

Cracks

As the clay gently shrinks during firing and drying, fine cracks may form on the surface or between pieces. We check to ensure all pieces are properly attached and these cracks are only surface-level.