Tea bowl "Hanshi chawan", Asahi ware

It is believed that the kiln was first established by Tōsaku I (active end of the 1500s–early 1600s) at the foot of Mt. Asahi in Uji sometime during the Keichō era (1596–1615). The kiln took its name from the mountain and was used to produce implements for chanoyu, the ritual preparation of powdered green tea. These early wares included tea bowls and mizusashi (fresh water containers for replenishing the kettle and rinsing bowls). Asahi wares were greatly favored by feudal lords, court nobles, and tea masters all over the country. In addition, Tōsaku was supervised by the feudal lord and renowned tea master Kobori Enshū (1579–1647); he was given permission to use the name Asahi by Enshū. The Asahi kiln was considered by Enshū to be one of his favorite seven kilns and, as a result, became well known.
A rare example by Tosaku I, the founder of Asahi ware.