ASAHIYAKI, in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture renowned as the epicenter of Japanese tea culture, began its pottery works during the late 16th century Keicho era, under the tutelage of Japanese aristocrat and tea master and designer Kobori Enshu. The inaugural kiln master, Tosaku, crafted ceremonial tea wares such as tea bowls and fresh-water containers using Mount Asahi pottery clay. His creations garnered favor among daimyo (prominent feudal lords), official residences, and tea masters. In the latter half of the Edo period (19th century), the eighth-generation kiln master, Chobei VIII, started making sencha wares—smaller and more delicate porcelain utensils designed for savoring fine green leaf tea. To this day, the ASAHIYAKI kiln remains dedicated to its dual legacy of creating both tea ceremonial and sencha ceramic wares.