The history of Mashiko ware began near the end of the Edo period (1603-1868), when a potter from the neighboring pottery town of Kasama established a kiln in Mashiko.

Due to its proximity to Edo (present-day Tokyo), Mashiko flourished as a pottery town producing various wares for the capital, including bowls, water jugs, teapots, and other everyday items. In 1924, the famous potter Shoji Hamada settled in Mashiko and began making highly artistic ceramic items such as vases and tea cups. His work influenced other Mashiko potters to produce beautiful ceramic tableware, and Mashiko ware came to be known all over the country.

Mashiko ware is colored and decorated using locally-sourced glaze, and has a characteristic thickness and rustic texture. Today, there are over 400 kilns in Mashiko producing a wide variety of wares, from plates and cups to teapots and other practical, everyday items.