This is a Soma Komayaki plate, likely intended for serving sweets. It has one repaired area, and there are also chips on the corners and edges. It was probably used as a practical item rather than for display. There are stains on the surface of the plate that look like water stains, but they also resemble a horse running and kicking up dust, which is interesting. The fine lines and reddish-brown marks on the back are likely from the manufacturing process, and the stains may be due to the water stains on the surface. Please refrain from purchasing if you are looking for perfection or are overly concerned about condition, as this item is listed as having flaws. We appreciate your understanding of old items. About Soma Komayaki: Soma Komayaki is pottery fired at the Tashiro kiln in Nakamura, Soma City, Fukushima Prefecture, and was the official kiln of the Soma clan. It mainly produced tea ceramics and was used for gifts to the shogunate, feudal lords, and for the lord of the domain. According to the Tashiro family tradition, in 1623, Soma Toshitane, the lord of the Soma clan, went to Kyoto to serve the shogun and was impressed by Omuro-yaki. He had Tashiro Gengouemon, who accompanied him, train under Nonomura Ninsei. Gengouemon trained for seven years and received a character from Ninsei, changing his name to Seijiemon. He returned home and opened the kiln in 1629. Regarding the mark, in 1867, the 11th generation received the rank of "Daini Hokkyo" from the Imperial Court, and since then, the "Tashiro Hokkyo" mark has been used. However, the Tashiro kiln is currently closed due to the earthquake, the absence of the head of the family, and a lack of successors. The kiln is a prefectural tangible folk cultural property and is protected, but the revival of the Soma Komayaki tradition, which is a "family-transmitted" clan kiln, is extremely difficult. Therefore, it is a very valuable item. Size: Approximately 22.5cm wide, 22.3cm long. The plate stand is not included in the product. If you purchase immediately, we will assume that you have agreed to the purchase. Please look at the photos carefully before considering and purchasing to avoid any misunderstandings such as "it's different from what I expected" after purchase. #Somayaki #TashiroHokkyo #RareItem #PotteryOfTohoku #OfficialKiln #Horse #CulturalProperty #SquarePlate #Plate #Teacup #MadeInJapan #RegionalIndustry #Folk #TraditionalCrafts #AizuClan #Equestrian #Antique #FolkCrafts #YanagiSōetsu