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[Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture] What is the traditional craft "Ohori Soma Ware"? Introducing the functional beauty and revival story that continues to fascinate people
[Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture] What is the traditional craft "Ohori Soma Ware"? Introducing the functional beauty and revival story that continues to fascinate people
Are youOhori Soma ware? It's a type of pottery that has been passed down in Namie Town, Futaba District, Fukushima Prefecture. It features a bluish-green base color with fine cracks, and is adorned with designs of horses galloping gracefully. This traditional craft is not only visually beautiful but also highly functional. The Great East Japan Earthquake once threatened to wipe out this tradition, but thanks to the efforts and enthusiasm of artisans and fans of Ohori Soma ware, the techniques continue to be passed down today.
This time, we will focus on Ohori Soma ware, digging deep into its history, appeal, and current appearance
What is Ohori Soma ware?
"When you ride a horse, you feel like singing." This saying means that when you're riding a horse, you feel good and can't help but hum a tune. Horses were partners in life and sometimes symbols of good fortune. Ohori Soma ware, a famous traditional craft of Fukushima Prefecture, also features horse motifs in its decorations.
Ohori Soma ware has three distinctive features
Blue Crack
Pieces
Double-baked
"Blue cracks" refer to the fine crackle patterns that spread across the surface of pottery. The signature color of Ohori Soma ware is a greenish-blue. This is because glazes containing iron are primarily used. The crackle patterns occur during the cooling process of fired pottery. The "crazing sound" that occurs when blue cracks appear on the pottery is a beautiful sound like a wind chime. Ink is applied to the cracks, making the pattern stand out even more beautifully.
The design of the running horses is also distinctive. In the northern Hamadori region of Fukushima Prefecture, there are many things related to horses, such as the traditional event "Soma Nomaoi" ( Soma Wild Horse Chase ). This seems to stem from the fact that the family crest of the feudal lord Soma clan was a " tethered horse ," and that during the rule of the Soma Nakamura domain, farm horses were trained and sent into battle to protect the people. The sight of powerfully galloping horses was cherished as a good luck charm, symbolizing wishes for good fortune in battle and safety for the family.
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
At the Namie roadside station, there is a building called the "Namie Craftsmanship and Livelihood Museum," which displays and sells works from all the kilns producing Ohori Soma ware. Ohori Soma ware encompasses a wide variety of pieces, from traditional teacups and plates to modern interpretations with creative touches. It's a good idea to actually pick up and examine the pieces to find your favorite.
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 character is "Ukedon." She's a rice fairy, with a body made of mochi (rice cake), hair made of salmon roe, and her home is a bowl. There are also characters representing her father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, cousin, and friends. Her laid-back appearance gives her a cute impression.
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 from Fukushima Prefecture,is a type of pottery characterized by its blue crackle glaze, horse motifs, and double-layered firing.
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
Woman in her 30s / Resident of Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture / Writer who handles local gourmet information / Favorite phrase is coexistence and co-prosperity
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