Ohbori somayaki - Soma ware Traditional Craft - Ohbori Somayaki
Ohbori somayaki - Soma ware






Cross section of double walled-cup

Scenes from the craftsman's workshop
(The making of double-walled cups)
Ohbori somayaki - Soma ware Ohbori somayaki - Soma ware Ohbori somayaki - Soma ware
The inner and outer cups are created separately on the potter's wheel Once the shapes have been cut out (with a home-made tool), the two cups are joined together. Paint is added to the bottom of the cup and the wavy pattern drawn with a small wooden tool
Ohbori somayaki - Soma ware Ohbori somayaki - Soma ware Ohbori somayaki - Soma ware
The cups are dipped in glaze and left to dry. The cups are fired in the main kiln at 1250℃ (2282 F.) Once the gold design has been added, the cups are fired again at a lower heat. The cracks in the glaze are then rubbed with Indian ink which results in the dynamic black crazing characteristic of Somayaki.

The design found on these cups symbolises wading birds ( the heart shape is thought to resemble the birds' feet) and waves.

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[Ohbori Somayaki][Artistic Nippon]