Sometsuke is a type of Japanese porcelain that is decorated with blue underglaze, typically cobalt oxide. This technique was heavily influenced by Chinese blue and white porcelain, which was highly prized and widely traded. Japanese potters adopted and adapted the sometsuke style, developing their own unique designs and motifs.

Sometsuke ware became particularly popular during the Edo period (1603-1868), when the demand for porcelain increased among the merchant class. The designs often feature landscapes, floral patterns, and scenes from Japanese folklore. While sometsuke pieces can range widely in value depending on age, artistry, and condition, they remain a significant part of Japanese ceramic history.