Double-walled Obori Soma-yaki Celadon Tea Set

Obori Sōma-yaki (大堀相馬焼) is a type of Japanese porcelain produced in Fukushima Prefecture, and dates back to the early Edo period.

The most distinctive features of Obori Sōma ware are its celadon glazes which feature large crazing patterns, hand-painted horse motifs, and double-walled construction. This double-walled technique provides insulation, keeping liquids hot and your hands cool, and is unique to Obori Soma-yaki.

After the 2011 Tōhoku Earthquake, many Sōma-yaki potters were forced to suspend production and only recently have some been able to build new kilns and resume work, with many of these being forced to relocated to neighbouring prefectures.

Matsunaga Ceramics (松永陶器) was founded in 1910 in Namie, Fukushima Prefecture, the centre of Obori Sōma-yaki. Originally a wholesaler, they began to produce their own wares in the 1950s up until the 2011 Tōhoku Earthquake halted production of Sōma-yaki entirely. They relocated to Nishigō village and have begun to make pottery once again.