{"product_id":"authentic-japanese-antique-obori-soma-yaki-bowl-w-original-signed-box","title":"Authentic Japanese Antique Obori Soma-yaki Bowl w\/Original Signed Box","description":"\u003cp\u003eAuthentic Meiji–Taisho Era Obori Soma-yaki Pottery Bowl\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA beautiful and authentic Japanese Obori Soma-yaki (大堀相馬焼) pottery bowl, believed to date from the Meiji to Taisho period, approximately the late 19th to early 20th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis elegant small bowl features the distinctive blue crackle glaze, known in Japanese as ao-hibi (青ひび), with a delicate hand-painted blue botanical design across the pale blue-green ceramic surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fine network of natural crackling throughout the glaze is one of the most recognizable characteristics of traditional Obori Soma ware. These fine lines are created through the difference in expansion and contraction between the ceramic body and glaze during firing rather than simply being painted onto the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bowl has a wonderfully restrained appearance, combining the pale celadon-like glaze, naturally aged crackle pattern and hand-painted blue decoration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is accompanied by its original wooden storage box and original fabric\/silk cover, which have survived with the piece and add considerable historical and collector interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginal Wooden Box\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original wooden storage box is included with the bowl.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe box carries handwritten Japanese inscriptions on the exterior, providing additional historical context and suggesting that the bowl was traditionally stored and preserved as a valued ceramic piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe box itself shows substantial age, including natural discoloration, surface wear and marks consistent with long-term storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original wrapping fabric is also retained.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Obori Soma-yaki\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eObori Soma-yaki (大堀相馬焼) is a traditional Japanese pottery associated with Obori in Namie, Fukushima Prefecture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts history dates back more than 300 years to the Edo period. The pottery was originally known simply as Soma-yaki, after the Soma domain that governed the region. The name Obori Soma-yaki became widely used later to identify the pottery with its place of origin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eObori Soma developed several distinctive characteristics that make it particularly recognizable to collectors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlue Crackle — Ao-hibi\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of its most famous characteristics is ao-hibi (青ひび), or blue crackle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe glaze develops a network of fine crackles known as kannyū (貫入). These occur naturally because the ceramic body and glaze have different rates of thermal contraction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe crackling is therefore part of the firing process and varies naturally from piece to piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterestingly, historical sources indicate that blue crackle became an established characteristic during the late Edo period, while the Meiji and Taisho periods saw further development and refinement of Obori Soma's distinctive style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Running Horse Motif\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother famous characteristic of Obori Soma-yaki is the running horse (走り駒 \/ hashirikoma).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe horse represents the sacred horse associated with the Soma clan and was traditionally painted facing left. It became an important symbol of the pottery and is associated with good fortune and prosperity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis particular bowl does not appear to have the traditional horse motif; instead, it features a delicate blue botanical decoration, which gives the piece a quieter and more understated character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeiji and Taisho Period\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Meiji and Taisho eras were particularly important periods in the development of Obori Soma ware.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter the abolition of the feudal domains during the Meiji Restoration, the pottery industry lost the direct support it had previously received from the Soma domain. Kilns declined in number, but surviving craftsmen responded to increased competition by developing new techniques and distinctive forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe famous double-wall construction associated with Obori Soma-yaki is traditionally attributed to a technique developed by Sakamoto Kumajiro around the end of the Meiji period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis historical development makes surviving early Obori Soma pieces especially interesting to collectors of Japanese ceramics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhy This Piece Is Special\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes this example particularly appealing is the combination of:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeiji–Taisho period character\u003cbr\u003eTraditional Obori Soma-yaki\u003cbr\u003eDistinctive blue crackle glaze\u003cbr\u003eHand-painted blue botanical decoration\u003cbr\u003eOriginal wooden storage box\u003cbr\u003eOriginal fabric\/silk protective cover\u003cbr\u003eHandwritten Japanese inscription on the box\u003cbr\u003eNatural age and patina\u003cbr\u003eTraditional Japanese presentation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original box and wrapping are particularly desirable because they preserve part of the object's history and traditional Japanese storage presentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis would make an excellent addition to a collection of Japanese ceramics, Soma-yaki, Meiji-period art, Taisho-period antiques, tea ceremony objects, or traditional Japanese pottery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSourced from a Japanese antique auction in Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood antique condition considering its age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bowl displays authentic signs of age, including natural glaze crackling, minor surface wear, small marks and variations in the glaze and decoration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe crackle pattern is part of the traditional glaze and should not be considered damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere may be minor imperfections from the original handmade production and firing process. The surface has the subtle irregularities and character expected from an antique Japanese ceramic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wooden storage box has significant age-related wear, including discoloration, scratches, stains and general surface deterioration. This is consistent with its age and long-term use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original fabric\/silk cover is also aged and shows discoloration and wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease study all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have preserved the piece in its original antique character rather than attempting to make it look new.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eItem Details\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eItem: Japanese pottery bowl\u003cbr\u003eType: Obori Soma-yaki\u003cbr\u003eJapanese: 大堀相馬焼\u003cbr\u003ePeriod: Meiji–Taisho era, circa late 19th–early 20th century\u003cbr\u003eOrigin: Fukushima, Japan\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Japanese ceramic \/ pottery\u003cbr\u003eGlaze: Blue-green\/celadon-style glaze with natural crackle\u003cbr\u003eDecoration: Hand-painted blue botanical motif\u003cbr\u003eIncluded: Original wooden storage box and fabric\/silk cover\u003cbr\u003eBox: Original handwritten Japanese inscription\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Japanese antique auction\u003cbr\u003eEra: Meiji–Taisho period\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e📢 Important Shipping Policy Update\u003cbr\u003eTo ensure safe delivery, we currently ship one item per order only.\u003cbr\u003eOrders with multiple items may be canceled and refunded. Once your item arrives safely, you’re welcome to place another order.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e📦 Condition\u003cbr\u003ePlease review all photos carefully, as they form part of the item description. Dimensions and additional details are provided in the images.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Real Timeless Vintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59887078441246,"sku":"C461","price":289.8,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0988\/3998\/6462\/files\/AuthenticJapaneseAntiqueMeiji_TaishoOboriSoma-yakiBowl1.jpg?v=1788495686","url":"https:\/\/www.realtimelessvintage.com\/products\/authentic-japanese-antique-obori-soma-yaki-bowl-w-original-signed-box","provider":"Real Timeless Vintage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}