Tobe Pottery (Tobe Town, Masaki Town, Matsuyama City)

Traditional Art Handed Down Through The Generations
It is said that Jousuke Sugino, who succeeded in the creation of white 
porcelain in 1777, is the originator of Tobe style pottery. Since then, 
the continued efforts, innovations and improvements made by the 
talented followers of the craft have been passed on through the 
generations, resulting in the emergence of many master craftsmen and 
prized works of pottery. Tobe pottery, with its simple design in deep 
indigo on pure white porcelain of uncomplicated form, has been 
appreciated by many enthusiasts all over Japan through the ages. In 
1976, it was designated as one of the country's traditional crafts. The 
Tobe Pottery Festival held in Tobe Town every April attracts over 
100,000 people from within and outside of Ehime Prefecture, providing
 many with the opportunity to enjoy the craft's history and beauty.