【New, Unused】Folk Craft Pottery - Chikuhō Sōma Ware - Sake Bottle (2) & Ochoko (4) Set - Cold Sake, Hot Sake

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This is a 6-piece set of Soma-yaki, a traditional pottery from Fukushima Prefecture, consisting of 2 sake flasks (tokkuri) and 4 sake cups (ochoko). The items are new, unused, and in beautiful condition.

Special Notes: One flask has a sticker.
Accessories: None (main items only)
Sake cup diameter: approx. 5.0 cm, height: approx. 6.0 cm.
Sake flask diameter: 5 cm, height: 13 cm.

The techniques seen in Chikuhō (竹鳳) of ōbori Soma-yaki (大堀相馬焼) are extremely unique and have continued for over 300 years since the Edo period. Notably, it features a double-fired (二重焼) structure, which is unparalleled in the world.

1. Double Firing (二重焼)
Technique: Features a double structure as if one pottery piece is placed inside another. This is a highly advanced technique that creates a hollow space (air layer) between the outer and inner walls.

Benefits: Heat and cold retention: Works on the same principle as a thermos, so hot sake won't make your hands feel hot.

2. Blue Cracks (青ひび)
Technique: Utilizes the difference in shrinkage rates between the clay of the vessel and the glaze applied to the surface. When removed from the kiln after firing, cracks form with a crackling sound during the cooling process.

Characteristics: By allowing ink or other substances to seep into these cracks, unique patterns emerge on the beautiful blue-green surface.

3. Running Horse (走り駒)
Technique: Drawn quickly by skilled artisans in a single stroke.

Meaning (Left-Facing Horse): All the horses depicted are facing left (towards the viewer's left). This is called Hidari-uma (左馬) and carries auspicious meanings:

No one can surpass you (strong in competitions)

A horse never falls to the left (you can navigate life without falling)

Mai (dance) = Uma (horse) (suitable for celebratory occasions)

Chikuhō's Unique Craftsmanship

Among the many ōbori Soma-yaki kilns, Chikuhō is particularly known for the beauty of its craftsmanship.
You can see the meticulous handiwork in the delicate edging of the cutout holes (which appear heart-shaped in the photos) and the fine detail of the horse's mane.

Fun Fact:
The production area of ōbori Soma-yaki (Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture) was severely damaged by the 2011 earthquake. However, to preserve the tradition, they have relocated their base and continue to pass down the double-fired technique.

*Please note that returns, exchanges, and complaints cannot be accepted.
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