Ancient Flames, Modern Marvels: Asahiyaki Pottery Exhibition

For Nari Japan Fest II this year, we’re honored to have the head of Asahiyaki Shop and Gallery, Matsubayashi-san coming to exhibit Asahiyaki teawares and vases at the Nari Tea Lab. Asahiyaki is one of the most storied names in Japanese ceramics, making the best handmade teawares for 16 generations in Uji, Kyoto. Asahiyaki started over 400 years ago during the Edo period, and from it’s inception already received accolades. Tea Master Kobori Enshu (1579-1647) gave Asahi wares the prestigious honor of one his seven favorite kilns, and they haven’t stopped ever since. Asahiyaki is also one of the few kilns that survived the Meiji restoration, where many kilns shut their doors due to cultural shift away from traditional wares. To this day they continue to produce handmade wonders using both traditional and modern designs that stand the test of time.

There’s a certain magic to the Kiln at Asahiyaki, where the heat of over 1,400°C will either destroy a ceramic or turn it into an absolute marvel . In contrast to the rustic wabi-sabi, style, Asahiyaki practices Kirei-sabi (a philosophy of beauty in elegance created by Kobori Enshu), where only the pieces of the highest standard are considered for public eyes. This leads to less than 50% of pieces fired in the kiln seeing the light of day.

You can see why we are so excited to be hosting an exhibition of Asahiyaki ceramics, which includes some prized pieces made by his brother the 16th Hosai aka head artisan of Asahiyaki. As an extra treat, he will also be bringing many pieces that you can acquire, including hohin pots, cups, matcha bowls, and flower vases. This exhibition will be running throughout the course of the weekend, giving everyone a chance to see and feel these modern marvels steeped in centuries of artisanal tradition.

The exhibition entrance is free.