The origins of Tobe Ware can be dated back to the Nara and Heian periods (710-784, 794-1185). Since the Tobe basin, surrounded by mountains full of nature, is rich in resources and the geography is suitable for kiln production, ceramics have been made there since ancient times.

During the Edo period, production of porcelain began in Tobe since 1775, when it was discovered that the whetstone mined from the mountains of Tobe, could be used to make porcelain. Later, the other raw materials such as glaze and clay were also discovered in the area, and with the advancement of technological innovation, Tobe Ware developed mainly for export to overseas markets.

In the Showa period (1926-1989), Tobe Ware was recognized by the promoters of the Japanese Mingei (folk art) movement, the aesthetician Sōetsu Yanagi, the father of the internationally renowned designer Sōri Yanagi, and the British ceramic artist Bernard Leach, as having inherited the handcrafted techniques of the potters from ancient times, 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 due to its handwork and the specific materials, and even today it is loved worldwide as a folk art product that shines with the skills of the ceramic craftsman.

Among Tobe Ware, those from before the Meiji era (1868-) are called "Ko-Tobe” (meaning Old Tobe), and are specially regarded as antiques.

Ko-Tobe's works are mainly daily necessities that are closely related to the lives of folks, and the craftsmanship of the potter's wheel is outstanding, as well as the skill of painting plants, birds, fish, letters, etc. using Tetsu-e (iron painting) and Sometsuke (cobalt blue painting).

Some of the contemporary Tobe Ware has a touch of the Ko-Tobe style, and there are pieces that have the good old beautiful texture of an antique Japanese porcelain, but fit in with modern life.

One example of a kiln that has inherited the taste of Ko-Tobe even today is Baizan Kiln. In 1882 the Baizan kiln was established by Umeno Masagorō has become the main kiln for traditional Tobe Ware. It specializes in works for daily use, including serving plates and flower vases produced in simplified white porcelain shapes decorated with elaborate blue underglaze designs and multi-colored overglaze painting.