Asahiyaki Matcha Chawan - Geppaku Glaze

Geppaku, literally "moon white," is one of the more recognizable glazes to come out of Asahiyaki's kilns in Uji, just outside Kyoto.

Unlike the earthier ash glazes in Asahiyaki's lineup, geppaku gets its cool, pale-blue cast from straw ash rather than wood ash. Fired inside "Genkama," the workshop's traditional wood-burning climbing kiln, the glaze reacts to the varying heat across different points in the kiln. Bowls fired closer to the firebox tend to pull a richer, more saturated blue, while those further along the chamber settle into a quieter, more muted tone.

Product Details

• Dimensions: Approx. 122mm × H65mm
• Clay body: Uji stoneware
• Glaze: Geppaku (月白釉) — a pale, moon-white blue glaze made from straw ash
• Kiln: Wood-fired in "Genkama," Asahiyaki's traditional climbing kiln

Before First Use

Soak the bowl in water for about 10 minutes before its first use. Fresh from the kiln, the glaze can be more absorbent than you'd expect, and using it dry the first time increases the chance of staining. Dry fully after each use before putting it away.