Tobe town, Tobe ware

Tobe ware is generally considered to be pottery produced primarily in the vicinity of Tobe town, Iyo city in Ehime prefecture. This area has been known for various types of ceramic production ever since Sue ware was first produced here in the Eighth century. Since the middle of the Edo period (1615-1868), the area has been celebrated as a location of ceramic production due to its advantageous location for ceramic kilns with its surrounding mountains and sloping ground. The Tobegawa river, which runs through the center of the area, aids in the production and transportation of the ceramic works, while supplying the power required for water turbines to pulverize raw materials.