A Meeting of Matcha and Ceramic Craftsmanship
Some rituals are shaped not only by what we drink, but by the vessel that holds it.
We’re proud to introduce our collaboration with ASAHIYAKI (朝日焼), a historic pottery house in Uji, Kyoto, crafting tea ceramics since 1600 with over 400 years of ceramic craftsmanship deeply rooted in Japan’s tea culture.
For centuries, ASAHIYAKI has created tea vessels that honour both function and feeling, shaping not just how tea is prepared, but how it is experienced. This shared appreciation for ritual, craftsmanship, and intentional design made this collaboration a natural meeting of two worlds.
A Legacy Rooted in Uji
Located in Uji, Kyoto, a region long celebrated as the heart of Japanese tea culture, ASAHIYAKI has spent centuries creating tea ceramics that exist in quiet dialogue with the ritual of tea.
What makes ASAHIYAKI distinctive is its philosophy that craftsmanship is not simply about shaping a vessel, but about designing the entire experience of using it, how it feels in the hand, how it pours, and the moments it creates.
From selecting locally sourced clay to shaping, glazing, and firing, every step is guided by the hands and sensibilities of artisans, resulting in pieces that carry the quiet individuality impossible to replicate in industrial production.
Introducing the MATCHA MATCHA × ASAHIYAKI Katakuchi
At the heart of this collaboration is the katakuchi (片口), a traditional Japanese pouring vessel thoughtfully designed for the full matcha ritual, from whisking to pouring to sharing.
While traditional tea bowls are often used for preparing and enjoying matcha as a quiet personal ritual, the katakuchi introduces a different perspective, one centered around sharing. Designed with a sculpted pouring spout and generous proportions, it transforms matcha from a solitary moment into an experience meant to be enjoyed together.
Every detail was considered with intention:
- A wide opening and generous depth for smooth, effortless whisking
- A sculpted pouring spout for clean, controlled serving
- An unglazed lower body for a more natural, comfortable grip
This is not simply a vessel, but an experience designed around the ritual of tea.
Crafted in Uji, Shaped by Hand
Each MATCHA MATCHA × ASAHIYAKI katakuchi is handcrafted in Uji, Kyoto using locally sourced Uji clay, a material deeply connected to the region’s ceramic heritage.
From the first shaping of the clay to the final firing, every step is guided by the hands and sensibilities of ASAHIYAKI’s artisans, preserving the character and individuality that define true handcraftsmanship.
This thoughtful process creates a vessel that feels both timeless and deeply personal, balancing utility with quiet elegance.
The Beauty of Imperfection
The katakuchi is finished in one of ASAHIYAKI’s signature matte black iron glazes, selected specifically for this collaboration for its warmth, softness, and quiet depth.
Unlike a sharp or glossy black, this glaze carries a more grounded character, a warm matte finish with subtle brown undertones that beautifully frame the vivid green of matcha while adding a sense of tactility to the experience.
Iron glazes are especially expressive, with their final appearance shaped by both the concentration of iron and the conditions of firing. Depending on the process, tones can shift dramatically, from softer earthy hues to deeper blacks, making each firing uniquely unpredictable.
From Uji to Toronto
As a brand rooted in Japanese tea culture, bringing this collaboration to MATCHA MATCHA feels especially meaningful.
From Uji to Toronto, this collaboration brings together matcha and ceramic craftsmanship in a shared expression of ritual, heritage, and thoughtful design.
Whether used for ceremonial preparation, modern matcha lattes, or everyday moments of pause, the MATCHA MATCHA × ASAHIYAKI katakuchi is designed to make the act of preparing tea something worth savoring.
Now available online at MATCHA MATCHA.
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