They produce the largest quantity of ceramics in Shikoku area. Since producing whetstones had been a local specialty in the area, they originally used to grind the scraps of those whetstone with a water wheel, and make porcelain out of them.
They mainly produce everyday items and tableware. They are well-known for being heavyweight and durable, making them popular as everyday-use tableware. Their Sanuki udon noodles bowls are especially used a lot.
It is said that Tobe ware originated when Kato Yasutoki, the ninth feudal lord of the Ozu Domain, ordered Sugino Josuke to make porcelain using whetstone scraps in order to fix their financial status. Sugino established a climbing kiln in a place called Gohonmatsu in Tobe. It is said that after his hard work, he finally succeeded in making white porcelain with indigo on top in 1777.
Also, in 1818, Mukai Genji from Gohonmatsu discovered the “Kawanobori porcelain stone.” Unlike the grayish porcelain they had produced up until then, they were able to make whiter porcelain. 70% of Tobe ware has been exported overseas ever since. Since the Meiji period, Tobe ware has been exported to foreign countries like China under the name of “Iyo bowl.”
