Asahiyaki Kiln

The Asahi Pottery is rooted in Japan’s oldest center for tea cultivation, the famed town of Uji.

The pottery has been in continued production over 400 years, through 15th generation of the Matsubayashi family. From the time of the founder, Tosaku, the Asahi workshop has provided tea bowls treasured for preparing whipped tea to nobility, warrior rulers , and tea masters.

Another representative Asahi product is the spouted teapot (kyusu or hobin) for preparing steeped tea. It was introduced to the workshop’s repertory about 150 years ago by the 8th generation master, Chohei.

Today, under the guidance the 16th generation master, Matsubayashi Hosai, the Asahi workshop continues to focus on utensil for various modes of serving tea, while at the same time creating a wide variety of utensils suited to contemporary life.

The family’s work can be found in leading museums around the world including The Brooklyn Museum and The British Museum.