What is sometsuke?

Sometsuke refers to a technique of painting unglazed ware with a blue pigment called "cobalt" (gosu), then applying a transparent glaze over it and firing it. It is a type of underglaze decoration. Originating in China during the Song dynasty, it was first produced in Japan in Arita in the 17th century.

Although expressed solely in two colors, white and blue, the skillful use of shading creates depth and rich expression, allowing one to enjoy the distinct character of each pottery kiln.

The charm of sometsuke lies not only in its beauty but also in its functionality. As it is underglaze, the patterns do not peel off, and it can be used in dishwashers and microwaves, making it perfect for everyday use.

While many traditional designs imitate Ko-Imari ware, in recent years, there has been an increase in iconic and contemporary designs that, while based on classical motifs, add humor and cuteness.

Although sometsuke ware is strongly associated with Japanese cuisine, it has recently been widely used in French and Italian restaurants, drawing attention for its beauty and practicality. Simple yet refined, sometsuke enhances the colors of food and remains one of the most popular types of pottery, both in the past and present.