Hosai took his name in 1995, following his father's retirement. The two characters for
"Asahi" in his seal were written by Prince Takanomiya. He has succeeded in recreating
the appearance of the glaze on early Asahi ware.He mixes kase clay with iron-rich red
clay and applies a glaze made with isu ash, usually associated with porcelain. If fired with
ample oxygen, this ware turns a radiant pink, which has become known as "Hosai's red
kase." The same name is applied to ares made by the previous master, Yukoan, but
both the clay body and the glaze are subtly different.
Wares by the previous master, Yukoan
Yukoan is the retirementname used by the fourteenth master, Hosai. It was given to him
by the abbot of the Zen temple Daitokuji in Kyoto, in a ceremony held in November 1994.
The ware known as "Yukoan's red kase" was made with a mixture of old Asahi clay and
kase clay and fired in the single-chamber tunnel kiln. Its effect is simple yet dignified.
The glaze "crawls" in beautiful crepe-like patterns, and where it is thin produces a
reddish effect though scorched.
Wares by Yusuke
Yusuke is the eldest son of fifteenth master, Hosai. He began production from 2005 in a side of father.
Asahi Kiln wares
These vessels are the products of the Asahi kiln. Primarily for use in the tea ceremony.
they convey the qualities of Asahi clay, including kase and hanshi. They are made by the
Asahi workshop staff, with the goal of making Asahi pottery widely lnown and enjoyed.
