Ohbori Soma yaki pottery
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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.

***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.

 

Please click on the pictures for more detail.
Prices for all items, (except for the Lanternfish chopstick rests), include insured Express shipping costs to North America.

Japanese pottery-Somayaki, Soma ware matcha bowl Somayaki - Soma ware kyusu Somayaki - Soma ware dobin teapot Soma pottery - Soma ware Dobin teapot
Somayaki Matcha bowl
US$79.99
Somayaki kyusu teapot
US$59.99
Somayaki Dobin #1
US$72.00
Somayaki Dobin #2
US$72.00

Somayaki - Soma ware kumidashi yunomi cups Somayaki - Soma ware nagayunomi Soma ware-Somayaki futae mugs Somayaki milk mug

Somayaki teacups-pair

US$44.99

Somayaki Nagayunomi teacups pair US$54.50

Somayaki pair mugs
US$69.99

Somayaki milk mug
US$46.00

Soma ware mugs Soma ware beer mugs Soma ware guinomi sake cups Soma ware guinomi sake cups
"Nine lucky horses" cup&mug US$32.00/$37.99 Somayaki beer mug
(Large or medium)

US$56.00/$46.70
Somayaki guinomi -pair
US$32.00
Somayaki guinomi -pair
US$33.00

Soma ware handpainted bowl Soma ware handpainted bowl Soma ware handpainted plate Soma ware handpainted plate
Somayaki 8"bowl
SOLD OUT
Somayaki 11"bowl

Somayaki 10"plate
SOLD OUT
Somayaki 12" plate
SOLD OUT

Soma pottery vases Soma pottery vases Japanese pottery -Somayaki vase, Soma ware vase
Vases image1 Vases image 2 Somayaki vases
Umbrella stand
Somayaki Lanternfish chopstickrest approx. length 5.7cm(2.2") US$3.60 each +shipping charges


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