Soma Koma ware is an old pottery established in 1626 by the founder, Tashiro Seijiuemon, who is said to have trained under Nonomura Ninsei. Tashiro Pottery, located in Soma City, Fukushima Prefecture, currently carries on the tradition as the only kiln left. It is said that Soma Koma ware’s trademark, “Hashirigoma,” has to be done in 32 brush strokes.
Until the Meiji Restoration, their items were considered prohibited goods to the public. It is believed that they were introduced to the public around the time of the 13th generation. Their climbing kiln was designated as an Important Cultural Property of the prefecture, but now that 360 years have passed since establishing the kiln, the town has developed, and Tashiro Pottery is now a part of the center of the city. So, they rarely ever use this kiln now because of pollution problems. They use gas kilns instead.
There are two types of pottery referred to as Soma ware; Soma Koma ware and Obori Soma ware from Namie town, Futaba District. The former is an official kiln and the latter is a private kiln. They are both still developing until now.
