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[[File:Tea ceremony water jar, Japan, Uji, Asahi ware, Edo period, 1650-1750 AD, stoneware with wood-ash glaze, lacquered wooden lid - Freer Gallery of Art - DSC05479.JPG|thumb|Tea ceremony water jar, Japan, Uji, Asahi ware, Edo period, 1650-1750 AD, stoneware with wood-ash glaze, lacquered wooden lid - Freer Gallery of Art - DSC05479]]

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'''Asahi ware''' (Japanese: 朝日焼, ''Asahiyaki'') is a traditional type of Japanese pottery produced in [[Uji]], [[Kyoto Prefecture]]. Known for its elegant simplicity and refined glaze tones, Asahi ware has been closely associated with the [[Japanese tea ceremony]] since the early [[Edo period]]. It is one of the oldest surviving pottery traditions in the Kyoto region, and its style reflects both the calm beauty of Uji’s natural surroundings and the influence of tea masters such as [[Kobori Enshū]].

== History ==
Asahi ware originated in the late 16th century, during the [[Azuchi–Momoyama period]]. The founder, [[Okamura Jirōemon]], began producing pottery near the Uji River under the patronage of tea masters who valued local clays and subtle glazes suitable for tea utensils.
The name "Asahi" (朝日, meaning "morning sun") is said to derive either from the location’s eastern exposure or from the bright yet gentle sheen of the glaze that resembles the rising sun.

During the [[Edo period]], Asahi ware gained recognition as one of the “[[Enshū’s Seven Kilns|Seven Kilns of Enshū]]”, indicating its esteemed status among tea ceremony wares. The kilns were supported by the [[Tokugawa shogunate]] and enjoyed close relationships with Kyoto’s tea schools, particularly the [[Urasenke]] tradition.
The Okamura family has maintained the Asahi kiln for over 16 generations, preserving its heritage into the modern day.

== Characteristics ==
=== Clay and Body ===
Asahi ware uses fine-grained clay from the Uji area, which is typically fired at stoneware temperatures. The resulting body is dense yet soft in appearance, contributing to the ware’s delicate and tranquil aesthetic.

=== Glaze ===
The glazes of Asahi ware are among its most distinctive features. Traditional varieties include:
* '''Kase glaze''' (化粧釉) – a white slip glaze with a soft, misty surface.
* '''Kohiki glaze''' – producing a faintly crackled white or pale pink tone.
* '''Celadon''' and '''iron glazes''' – adding greenish or brownish hues.

These glazes produce gentle color transitions, emphasizing subtle warmth rather than strong contrast. The ware’s overall tone often evokes the calm and elegance valued in ''[[wabi-sabi]]'' aesthetics.

=== Forms ===
The most typical forms of Asahi ware are tea bowls (''chawan''), tea caddies (''chaire''), and water jars (''mizusashi''). The shapes are simple and slightly asymmetrical, reflecting harmony with natural form. In addition to tea utensils, some modern artisans create tableware and decorative pieces inspired by traditional forms.

== Cultural Significance ==
Because of its strong connection to [[Uji]]—famous for its tea cultivation—Asahi ware occupies a special place in the culture of Japanese tea. Its understated elegance, tactile quality, and subtle glazes harmonize with the aesthetics of the [[tea ceremony]], complementing both matcha and sencha traditions.

Asahi ware is still produced at the original site in Uji, where the [[Asahiyaki Pottery Studio]] and museum exhibit historical works and conduct workshops for visitors. The pottery continues to be prized by tea masters and collectors alike.

== Modern Production ==
The current head of the kiln, [[Okamura Jinen]], represents the 16th generation of Asahi potters. He and his predecessors have continued to use locally sourced clay and traditional wood-fired kilns (''noborigama'').
While maintaining classic tea utensils, contemporary Asahi ware sometimes incorporates modern interpretations—experimenting with form, firing, and glaze to connect tradition with today’s sensibilities.

== See also ==

* [[Japanese pottery and porcelain]]
* [[Enshū’s Seven Kilns]]
* [[Japanese tea ceremony]]
* [[Uji]]
* [[Kyoto Prefecture]]

== References ==

* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asahi_ware Asahi ware – Wikipedia]
* [https://asahiyaki.com/en/ Asahiyaki official site]
* [https://nara-sightseeing.com/blog/akahada-ware-a-traditional-craft-of-nara/ Nara Sightseeing – Related crafts]
* [https://qualitychanoyu.com/2023/11/20/asahi-ware-chawan/ Quality Chanoyu – Asahi Chawan article]
* [https://www.discoverkyoto.com/places-go/asahiyaki-pottery/ Discover Kyoto – Asahiyaki Pottery]

[[Category:Ceramics]]
[[Category:Stoneware]]
[[Category:Kyoto Prefecture]]
[[Category:Kansai Region]]
[[Category:Asahi ware]]

Asahi ware/en - Revision history

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