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Somayaki was established in 1690 in Fukushima, Northern Japan. During the Edo period, it enjoyed the protection of the Soma lords and grew to over 100 kilns, making it one of the biggest and most important potteries in Northern Japan. However with the advent of the Meiji restoration, the influence of the lords declined and the number of kilns gradually decreased to the 27 still in production today. Somayaki is proud of its history and draws from 300 years of tradition to create distinctive, unique pieces popular with collectors everywhere. One of the most recognisable characteristics of Somayaki is its "Hashirigoma"(galloping horse motif). The origin of the motif is the subject of much speculation, but there can be no doubt that it is related to Soma's long history of horse handling ( the "ma" in Soma actually means "horse"). Over 1,000 years ago, horses were used as a form of martial training. Warriors were prepared for battle by trying to wrestle sacred banners from the backs of wild horses. This tradition is re-enacted during the "Soma-nomaoi" festival held every July, drawing many visitors to the area. The galloping horse motif is painted on Somayaki following the tradition of the Kano School of Painting, one of the most prominent and respected schools of art in Japan. Another unique feature is the use of "double walls". The pieces are constructed with an inner wall which can be seen through cut-outs in the outer shell. As well as adding an interesting dimension, this feature also has the added advantage of keeping the tea warm while leaving the outer surface cool. "Aohibi" is the name given to the distinctive blue crackled glaze seen on most Somayaki ware. A combination of these three distinctive features combine to create warm, rustic pieces imbued with a sense of history and peculiar to the area in which they are produced.  Scenes from the craftsman's workshop. (The making of double-walled cups.) |
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| ***SHIPPING CHARGES*** Due to the double-wall construction, Somayaki pieces are rather heavy and expensive to send. Shipping charges quoted are for the quickest, most reliable method, i.e. insured airmail (EMS). If time is not an issue, insured surface mail is a cheaper option . Costs can also be cut by combined shipments. Shipping by airmail via economical "small packet"rate is possible but not recommended as the goods cannot be insured. We ask for your kind understanding on these matters. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further info. |
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| Please click on the pictures for more detail. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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