Sōmayaki

is a form of pottery. It is characterized by its green color and blue cracks on the surface. Much of it is multi-layered. Many pieces have a stylized horse painted in metallic gold.

The Sōmayaki pottery industry was started about 300 years ago in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. In 1978, it was designated as one of the national objects of traditional craftsmanship.

Because "ma" in "sōma" means "horse", calligraphic horses are painted on many pieces.

A very rare character of Sōmayaki pottery 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 don't burn one's hands.

External links

* [http://www.japanese-doll.biz/group/souma.html Videos of a potter molding various pieces of sōmayaki]