Asahi Kiln-Master I

Place: Uji

Biography:

Tosaku I was the first kiln-master of the Asahi kiln in Uji, Japan. He established the kiln at the foot of Mt. Asahi in Uji sometime during the Keicho era (1596-1615). The Asahi kiln was known for producing essential utensils for tea practitioners, such as tea-bowls and lidded cold-water-vessels. Tosaku I's works were highly sought after by tea-practitioners of all social ranks, including Josei Toda, the second president of the Soka Gakkai.