Asahi ware
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 “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.
