Ōborisōma ware (大堀相馬焼), also known as Ōbori ware (大堀焼) or Sōma ware (相馬焼) is a form of Japanese pottery traditionally from Fukushima Prefecture, eastern Japan
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History
The production started about 300 years ago. In 1978, it was designated as one of the national objects of traditional craftsmanship.
The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in March 2011 severely affected this industry, as the village, located only 10 km away from the nuclear powerplants, was heavily polluted by radioactive material, and all craftsmen had to leave their workshops. A new workshop opened at Nihonmatsu, Fukushima.
Characteristics
It is characterized by its green color and blue cracks on the surface. Much of it is multi-layered.
Because the ma in sōma means "horse", calligraphic horses are painted on many pieces, often a stylized horse painted in metallic gold.
A very rare character of Sōma ware is its multi-layered structure.
The dual layering of the pottery insulates the hot liquids to keep them hot and keeps the outside cool, so one doesn't burn one's hands.