The history of Sōma ware

Traditional crafts that have history from the Edo period.
Since they are various receptacles, they start to shine when they are used for a variety of ways.

Ōbori Sōma ware had been produced in Ōbori district of Namie town, Fukushima. It has been designated as Traditional Crafts since 1978 and it's been known as Ōbori Sōma yaki (ware) in Japan.

In addition, it's been known as the ware that has history from the Edo period and Sōma Domain established its branch office in Ōbori district and earnestly protected the industry through financial support and securing raw materials.

Thanks to the support, the industry spread neighboring and the number of potters became over 100 at the end of the Edo period and the market was expanded from Hokkaido to the Kanto area. Thus, Ōbori district has been known as the largest manufacturer and since then, Ōbori Sōma ware has taken roots in people's lives as essential receptacles for daily life.

The production decreased due to the unfortunate consequences of Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, however, 9 out of 24 potters, that existed before the disaster have started producing the receptacles in the places in Fukushima prefecture but away from Ōbori district.

Typical Ōbori Sōma ware has a couple of representative traits, double structure and powerfully running horse, but each potters now manufactures receptacles that have their originality.

  • Obori Soma-ware Kyogetsu Pottery/ 14th generation KONTOKU (previous generation) draws running pieces
  • Obori Soma-ware Kyogetsu Pottery/ Soma ware's typical double-structured cup
  • Obori Soma-ware Kyogetsu Pottery/ Gallery entrance
  • Obori Soma-ware Kyogetsu Pottery/ Unglazed platter with a running horse drawn on it

Ōbori Sōma ware has been gracefully changed by introducing the perspectives of a woman with following the techniques inherited for 15 generations.

Kyogetsu Pottery dedicates to produce receptacles based on the concepts that our precious customers use our products on a daily basis.

Our mission is to deliver better quality products to our customers. This is why we always care for customer's needs and opinions and make the most of them and reflect them on our products.

To achieve this, we have set a free coffee section at the gallery, so that you can actually touch and enjoy our products and value them with having a relaxing, good time. We think it is one of Japanese hospitality, Omotenashi.
By means of this, you may feel the sensation of the receptacles that include perspectives of a woman.

  • Local cuisine Fukushima-Ozen offered at Surikamitei Otori in Iizaka-machi, Fukushima City. The tableware was made by the Obori Soma-ware Kyogetsu Pottery
  • Local cuisine Fukushima-Ozen offered at Surikamitei Otori in Iizaka-machi, Fukushima City. The tableware was made by the Obori Soma-ware Kyogetsu Pottery
  • Obori Soma-ware Kyogetsu Pottery/ lamp shade
  • Taken at an orchard near the Kyogetsu Pottery