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[Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture] What is the traditional craft "Ohori Soma Yaki"? Introducing functional beauty that continues to show off people and a revival story
[Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture] What is the traditional craft "Ohori Soma Yaki"? Introducing functional beauty that continues to show off people and a revival story
you heard of " Ohori Soma ware "? It is pottery that has been passed down through the generations in Namie Town, Futaba County, Fukushima Prefecture. It features a design of a dashing galloping horse against a bluish-green background with fine cracks. It is a traditional craft that is not only beautiful to look at, but highly functional. At one point, the tradition was in danger of being lost after the Great East Japan Earthquake, but thanks to the efforts and passion of artisans and Ohori Soma ware fans, the techniques have been passed down to this day.
This time, we will focus on Ohori Soma ware, digging deep into its history, appeal, and current appearance
What is Ohori Soma ware?
" Riding a horse brings a singing spirit ." This is a saying that when you're riding a horse, you feel good and can't help but hum a song. Horses are partners in life and sometimes symbolize good fortune. Ohori Soma ware, a renowned traditional craft of Fukushima Prefecture, is also decorated with horse motifs.
Ohori Soma ware has three distinctive features
Blue Crack
Pieces
Double-baked
Aohibi refers to the fine crack patterns that spread across the surface of the pottery. The signature color of Ohori Soma ware is a greenish-blue color, which is due to the use of glazes that contain iron. The crack patterns occur during the cooling process of fired pottery. When blue cracks appear on the pottery, a " crazing sound " is heard, which is a beautiful sound like a wind chime. Ink is painted over the cracks, making the pattern stand out even more beautifully.
The pattern on the running horse is also distinctive. In the northern Hamadori region of Fukushima Prefecture, there are many horse-related events, such as Soma Nomaoitethered horse ," and that during the reign of the Soma Nakamura domain, farm horses were trained and used in battle to protect the people. The image of a powerful galloping horse was appreciated as a lucky charm for military fortune and household safety.
As the name suggests, double firing is a technique in which the vessel is fired with two layers. When shaping on the potter's wheel, the outer and inner vessels are made and then fitted together before firing. This creates a layer of air between the inside and outside, improving heat retention. The temperature of the drink inside does not change easily and the heat does not transfer to your hands. It has the same structure as a thermos. This double firing technique is extremely rare among traditional Japanese crafts and requires great skill
The history of Ohori Soma ware
Ohori Soma ware first began to be produced in the Ohori district of Namie Town, Futaba County, Fukushima Prefecture. It is said to have a history of over 300 years. The pottery had been made by farmers and pottery artisans who had immigrated from other areas, but the Soma domain provided generous subsidies in an effort to promote it as a local specialty. They prohibited artisans from emigrating, ordered that all pottery used within the domain be locally produced, and controlled the sale and purchase of finished pottery. As a result, by the end of the Edo period, the number of potteries had increased to 120, making it a major production area
During the Meiji period, the feudal domains were abolished and prefectures were established, resulting in the disappearance of the Soma domain and the cessation of public support. As many potteries were forced to close, conscription during the war also dealt a major blow. After the war, the techniques of Ohori Soma ware were passed down to future generations thanks to the tireless efforts of demobilized and repatriated personnel. However, the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident once again put many potteries in a difficult position. The entire town of Namie was designated an evacuation zone, and the Ohori district was also designated a difficult-to-return area, making it impossible to extract the clay and glazes that are essential to ceramics
However, despite the difficult circumstances, Ohori Soma ware managed to make a comeback. Some potteries selected alternative clay, recreated the glaze, and reopened in new locations. Their determination to rise again and again despite the difficulties is reminiscent of a running horse, and gives the impression of a strong vitality
If you want to fully enjoy the world of Ohori Soma ware, we recommend "Roadside Station Namie"
If you want to buy Ohori Soma ware, we recommend Namie Roadside Station
Namie Roadside Station has a building called " Namie's Techniques and Livelihoods Museum ," which has a corner where works from all the potteries of Ohori Soma ware are on display and for sale. Although it is generally called Ohori Soma ware, there are a wide variety of works, from traditional style teacups and plates to modern pieces with creative ingenuity. It's a great way to actually pick up the pieces and find the perfect piece that suits your taste.
The facility also offers pottery experience classes. You can try your hand at creating your own original work, from hand-kneading to painting. You can also listen to the beautiful sound of the pottery crackling in the kiln. There is also a sake brewery corner selling sake, sake lees, and processed products made with sake from the local Suzuki Sake Brewery, as well as a stylish cafe bar where you can enjoy sake in Ohori Soma ware
The main building of Roadside Station Namie has a food court where you can enjoy seafood and Namie yakisoba, as well as a play area for children. There's also an indoor play area and a Pokémon-themed Lucky Park, making it a family-friendly destination
What is Namie Town, where Ohori Soma ware is handed down?
Namie Town, Futaba County, Fukushima Prefecture, is a port town facing the Pacific Ocean. The coastal waters of Fukushima Prefecture are where the Oyashio and Kuroshio currents collide, and the town's Ukedo fishing port offers a wide variety of seafood
In addition to seafood, another famous delicacy is Namie Yakisoba. It gained popularity after winning the grand prize at the 8th B-1 Grand Prix, a festival of B-class gourmet food. It is characterized by extra-thick noodles with simple ingredients of bean sprouts and pork, and is a hearty gourmet dish finished with lard and a rich sauce. It is said that this style was developed as a result of workers looking for a satisfying and filling meal
Namie Town is currently working to promote a smart community, and is attracting attention for its cutting-edge initiatives, such as the use of electric vehicles for public transportation
The town's official image mascot is " Ukedon ." She is a rice fairy, with a body made of mochi rice cakes, hair made of salmon roe, and her usual place in a bowl. There are also characters of her father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, cousins, and friends. Her relaxed appearance is adorable.
Ohori Soma ware, passed down with an indomitable spirit, will continue into the future
This time we introduced Obori Soma ware, a traditional craft in Namie Town
Ohori Soma ware, a famous craft product of Fukushima Prefecture, is pottery characterized by blue cracks, komae (patterned painting), and double-fired pottery .
Although Ohori Soma ware has faced many threats to its survival due to wars and earthquakes, it has been able to continue to pass on the tradition to the present day thanks to the tireless efforts of artisans and local people who strive to "preserve tradition."
The potter's works can be purchased at the Namie Roadside Station. Please feel free to pick them up and experience their beauty and charm
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