Obori-Soma-yaki

Distinctive double-walled pottery from Fukushima with galloping horse motifs.

Obori-Soma-yaki is a pottery tradition from the Soma region of Fukushima Prefecture, with over 300 years of history. It is distinguished by three signature features: aoma (galloping horse) motifs painted in blue, a distinctive double-walled construction that insulates heat, and seiji (blue-green celadon) crackle glaze. After the 2011 Fukushima disaster forced evacuation of the original production area, potters relocated and have worked to preserve this beloved craft.