[Onifuku's Onigawara Wind Chime and Onigawara Paperweight Have Been Added]

"Sanshu Onigawara Crafts" have been passed down for about 300 years in the West Mikawa region of Aichi Prefecture (formerly known as the Sanshu province), which is Japan's largest tile-producing area. In 1720 (Kyoho 5), Tokugawa Yoshimune encouraged the use of tiled roofs for fire prevention, leading to their nationwide spread and the development of the region as a major production center.

Onigawara (ogre-faced ridge tiles) have long been displayed on the roofs of traditional Japanese houses as protective amulets, wishing for the warding off of evil, and for the happiness and prosperity of the residents. Founded in 1916 (Taisho 5), the pottery workshop Onifuku has crafted onigawara for famous temples and shrines, including Naritasan Shinshoji Temple and Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine. They continue to preserve their advanced techniques through integrated handmade production by skilled "onishi" (onigawara artisans).

The most prominent feature is the unique beauty of the "ibushigin" (smoked silver) finish, created by firing at a high temperature of approximately 1150°C without using any glaze. During the final stage of the firing process, a smoking technique called "kunka" forms a carbon coating on the surface of the clay, creating a deep silver color. Another charm is its aging process; the longer it is used, the more it develops a rich, deep hue, much like leather products. In recent years, due to their overwhelming presence, they have also become popular as everyday decorations and lucky charms to adorn interiors, such as in tokonoma (alcoves) and entryways.

Onifuku's Onigawara Wind Chime
https://www.shokunin.com/en/onifuku/furin.html
Onifuku's Onigawara Paperweight
https://www.shokunin.com/en/onifuku/paperweight.html