The appeal of Asahi ware
Asahi ware in Kyoto has an especially long history among tea ware, with pottery production said to have continued since the early 17th century. The area is also famous for its matcha tea production, and tea culture is deeply rooted in the region. Asahi ware tea bowls, which were born and raised in this area, have developed in their own way while being closely linked to the spirit of the tea ceremony, and have fascinated many tea masters and enthusiasts. In this article, we will take a closer look at three particularly famous Asahi ware tea bowls, which are representative of Uji, and delve into their respective characteristics and highlights, as well as the overall appeal of Asahi ware.
What is Asahi Yaki? Its History and Clay Characteristics
Asahi-yaki is a type of pottery that originated in kilns near the Uji River, and is said to date back to the Momoyama and early Edo periods. The soil of the Uji River basin is rich in minerals, including iron, which creates unique scenery and colors when fired. Historically, wood-fired kilns have been used as the main method of firing, and the constant flickering of the flames in the kilns creates a variety of different expressions that are a result of chance and necessity. Asahi-yaki is also said to be deeply connected to the natural environment, such as the mist and humidity of the rivers that flow through Uji, and the wind direction. The influence of the climate and environment is greater than one might imagine, and even if the same soil and glaze are used, subtle differences in the season and firing conditions can result in completely different pieces. In this way, one of the greatest attractions of Asahi-yaki is that it takes on unique colors and textures through a dialogue with nature.
The appeal of three famous tea bowls
Dohimo tea bowl
1. A tea bowl characterized by its soft, swaying form and subtle coloring
The first tea bowl we will introduce is shaped to taper slightly toward the inside of the bowl, and the rim is slightly inward. The line from the so-called "waist" to the "rim" is smooth, and a slight sway can be seen depending on the angle from which it is viewed. The curves, which look like rippling water, not only fit comfortably in the hand when held, but also have the effect of gracefully presenting the movements of the tea ceremony. In addition, this tea bowl beautifully displays the pale colors unique to Asahi ware. When firing in a wood-fired kiln, the flames run across the surface of the tea bowl, so some parts are whitish, while others are greenish or slightly grayish. This delicate change overlaps with the world of "ichigo ichie". Even if the same clay and glaze are used, pottery can show completely different expressions depending on the flame, temperature, and position, and this is the real pleasure of Asahi ware. Furthermore, the base of this tea bowl has sharp carving marks that complete the gentle atmosphere of the bowl. The careful turning of the base creates an exquisite balance between the dignified appearance of the bowl as a whole, without losing its softness of form. Another point not to be missed is the contrast between the beautiful bubbles created by the gentle curves of the inner side when making matcha and the green color of the tea. This is truly a bowl with a soothing beauty that "touches your heart when you pick it up."
Matsuba pattern tea bowl
2. A tea bowl with a striking contrast between the soft impression of the white coating and the flames of the wood-fired kiln
The next tea bowl we will introduce is one that has been coated with shirogesho (white cosmetic mud) on the inside and has been able to withstand the ash and scorching caused by the wood-fired kiln. Shirogesho is a technique in which a separate layer of white mud is applied on top of the base clay to create a soft white color. When the bowl is fired in a wood-fired kiln, a unique color change occurs in the areas that are directly in contact with the flames or where ash has accumulated. When the bowl is fired, some parts remain pure white like snow, while others have a complex intertwining of scorched colors such as pale gray, beige, and brown, creating a unique scene. The clay unique to Asahi-yaki originally contains iron, and even if the bowl is coated with shirogesho, the iron from the base may show through depending on the firing temperature and the degree of exposure to the flame. This allows a faint beige or pale yellow color to be seen through the shirogesho, creating a delicate and soft gradation like a watercolor painting. The contrast between the "colors bleeding onto the white" and the "scorched and gray colors from the wood-fired kiln" is perhaps the most interesting feature of this tea bowl. In addition, over the years of use, the white coating will blend with the oils from the tea and hands, and will gain a moist and deep color. The gradual changes that occur over time are one of the charms of Japanese pottery, but the white coating in particular shows clear signs of aging, and the more you use it, the more flavor it gains. This is why it is a bowl that you will want to keep for a long time and let it grow. When viewed in the dim light of the tea room, the shades of the white coating and the scorched colors stand out even more clearly, and there is a sense of strength in the tranquil atmosphere. This coexistence of delicacy and strength seems to symbolize the depth of Asahi-yaki pottery.
Ash-glazed tea bowl, Mei Tamamizu
3. A tea bowl that combines geometric refinement with the flavor of the clay and glaze
The third tea bowl I would like to introduce is impressive for its relatively neat shape. Rather than gently curving from the base to the rim, there are intentionally cornered and chamfered parts, giving the design a somewhat geometric feel. The sides of the bowl are skillfully combined with traditional techniques unique to Asahi ware, such as rokuro-suji (black rokuro-suji) and brush marks, and while it appears simple at first glance, it shows the accumulation of complex handiwork. The foot is not only rounded, but also has a sharp impression due to its "cuts reminiscent of a square" and "slight chamfering." For a tea bowl, the roundness of the front and the stability it provides when held in the hand are important, but at the same time, the design of the foot and the skill of the carving affect the overall impression of the piece. In this tea bowl, the carving marks give it strength and neatness, and the beauty of the clean white space is felt from both the front and the side. However, when you look inside, you can see that it has a nice gentle roundness, and careful consideration has been given to the bubbles that form when you pour matcha into it and how it feels when you drink from the rim. This contrast between the sharpness of the exterior and the softness of the interior is appealing, as if two different expressions were trapped in one tea bowl. What's more, the flames used during firing change the color of the clay and the color of the glaze in parts, creating shades and subtle color unevenness on the curved surface of the bowl, which is also something not to be missed.
The combination of these multifaceted elements results in unique pieces that fuse tradition with a modern sensibility, which truly shows the depth of Asahi ware.
The unique charm of Asahi ware emerges from the three bowls
1. The coexistence of the strength and delicacy of earth
The clay used for Asahiyaki comes from the soil of the Uji River basin. It contains a lot of iron, so the color changes depending on the firing temperature and how the flame hits it, giving it a warm and solid feel. But it's not just hard as it is. With the addition of skilled molding techniques and white makeup, the clay is finished with a surprisingly soft look and feel. This contradictory element of being "strong yet gentle" makes Asahiyaki even more attractive. Furthermore, the real pleasure of wood-fired kilns is that each piece is fired with a different expression even when placed in the same kiln. Slight differences in the heat, flow of the flame, and timing of adding firewood create vivid chars, ash covering, and fire colors on the surface of the vessel. This "unpredictable coincidence" seems to be a visible embodiment of the "ichigo ichie" (a once-in-a-lifetime encounter) that is also important in the spirit of tea ceremony. It is truly exciting to experience a world where the same finish is never repeated.
2. The more you use it, the deeper the flavor becomes.
One of the charms of Asahi-yaki tea bowls is that the longer they are used, the more beautiful they become. In particular, those with white coating will become more lustrous over time, and as they absorb the dirt and tea ingredients, they will change into a soft and calm appearance. This change over time is a unique pleasure of Japanese ceramics and tea utensils, and it is a time when you can feel the joy of developing "a bowl that is just yours". As you compare the individuality of the three bowls, you will surely be able to feel more clearly the diverse expressions of Asahi-yaki and the common spirit that flows through them. Along with the deep tea culture unique to Uji, located at the southern end of the ancient capital of Kyoto, Asahi-yaki tea bowls are sure to make your tea ceremony experience richer and more heartwarming.
