By admin 
(Mainichi/Takashi Murata)
The Shigarakicho district of Koka, Shiga Prefecture, is known for its production of Shigaraki pottery. Snake ornaments are made there for the Chinese zodiac in 2025, the year of the snake. A kiln that has been operating since the Edo period will produce about 2,000 figurines by mid-December. Workers place clay into molds one by one and paint them white. The ornaments are known for their warm texture and appearance.
Remark: The Edo period runs from 1603 to 1867.
Japanese original
(Mainichi Shogakusei Shimbun)
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