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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. |
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| ***SHIPPING CHARGES*** Due to the double-wall construction, Somayaki pieces are rather heavy and expensive to send. Our customers are often surprised at the high shipping prices, so in order to give a better idea of the actual cost, we have decided to quote prices inclusive of EMS (insured Express Mail) shipping to North America. Please do not hesitate to contact us for quotes to other countries. |
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