Tobe Ware
Tobe ware is porcelain produced in the Tobe region of Ehime Prefecture, located in the northwest of Shikoku Island. The white porcelain, with its beautiful, slightly bluish hue from the iron content, continues to be highly valued and loved. Tobe ware maintains a strong respect for traditional handicraft techniques, even amidst modernization.
The origins of Tobe ware date back to the Nara period (710 CE–784 CE) and the Heian period (794 CE–1185 CE). The Tobe basin, surrounded by mountains rich in natural resources, has been suitable for kiln production since ancient times.
During the Edo period (1603 CE–1868 CE), porcelain production began in Tobe in 1775 when it was discovered that the whetstone mined from the mountains of Tobe could be used to make porcelain. Later, other raw materials such as glaze and clay were also found in the area. With technological advancements, Tobe ware developed primarily for export to overseas markets.
During the Showa period (1926–1989 CE), Tobe ware was recognized by promoters of the Japanese mingei (folk art) movement, such as the aesthetician Yanagi Soetsu, his son, the internationally renowned designer Yanagi Sori, and the British ceramic artist Bernard Leach. They appreciated Tobe ware for preserving the handcrafted techniques of ancient potters, unlike the mechanized ceramic industries of Mino and Seto.
Tobe ware is highly regarded as a traditional Japanese craft for its tasteful charm and robustness, attributed to its handwork and specific materials. Even today, it is loved worldwide as a folk art product that showcases the skills of ceramic craftsmen.
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