AIBA KOYO – Mr. AIBA Kouichirou（相場 恒一郎）– 常滑 – 24.6 cm Oval Bag-Style Bonsai Pot（楕円袋式鉢・鉄斑翡翠緑釉

AIBA KOYO – Mr. AIBA Kouichirou（相場 恒一郎）– 常滑 – 24.6 cm Oval Bag-Style Bonsai Pot（楕円袋式鉢・鉄斑翡翠緑釉）

Product Details: 

Region: Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture 常滑市
Kiln: KŌYŌ Kiln 鴻陽窯
Potter: AIBA Kouichirou 相場 恒一郎 (1944–2015)

Description:

A high-quality, artisan-made Japanese bonsai pot by AIBA KOYO, produced within the esteemed Tokoname 常滑 ceramic tradition. This oval pot (楕円鉢) is formed in a true bag-style design (袋式造形), clearly defined by a pronounced lip and inner rim (口縁・内縁) that create the characteristic inflated and rounded silhouette associated with this classical form.

The rim gently folds inward before expanding into the body, imparting both visual strength and softness while maintaining excellent balance and proportion (安定感と品格). A subtle upper band (上帯) reinforces the structure and enhances the harmonious transition from rim to body, giving the vessel a composed and dignified presence.

The exterior is finished in an emerald green iron-speckled glaze（鉄斑翡翠緑釉）, displaying fine, naturally occurring iron flecks and gentle kiln variation. The glaze pools attractively along the curves of the bag-style form, accentuating depth and volume without obscuring detail. Beneath the glaze, the Tokoname clay body (常滑土) reveals a lightly grogged texture, contributing both strength and refined surface character. The pot has developed a pleasing natural patina (経年変化の味わい), adding quiet depth and maturity to the overall appearance.

The vessel is supported by carefully sculpted cloud feet (雲足), softly shaped and well-proportioned, providing lift while preserving stability. These feet complement the rounded body and reinforce the traditional aesthetic of the bag-style form.

The base is cleanly finished and bears the impressed square kiln seal of KOYO (鴻陽窯角印), confirming attribution. Drainage and wiring holes (排水孔・針金通し穴) are precisely placed, ensuring practical functionality for bonsai cultivation.

External Dimensions: 24.6 × 20.0 × 7.4 cm
Internal Dimensions: 20.6 × 15.8 × 5.3 cm

Condition: Excellent.

Free shipping with this pot to the UK Mainland  

About the Potter – KOYO, Mr. AIBA Kouichirou（相場 恒一郎）

Mr. AIBA Kouichirou (相場 恒一郎, 1944–2015) was a respected Tokoname potter working under the kiln name KOYO（鴻陽）, based in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture (愛知県常滑市), one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kiln sites (日本六古窯). His work is closely associated with high-quality bonsai ceramics that emphasize balance, usability, and refined surface treatment.

KOYO pots are known for their strong yet understated forms (造形の安定感), careful attention to proportion (均整), and expressive glazing (釉調の表情). Aiba frequently employed classic Japanese shapes such as mokko (木瓜形), oval (楕円), and rectangular forms, often finished with natural ash-influenced or blue-green glazes (青釉・青緑釉) that mature beautifully over time.

His pots were produced with bonsai cultivation in mind, featuring well-considered drainage and wiring holes (排水穴・針金穴) and finely finished feet (刻み足). The impressed square seal reading 鴻陽 (KŌYŌ) is a hallmark of his kiln and appears on many of his works.

While firmly rooted in Tokoname tradition (常滑焼の伝統), Aiba’s ceramics reflect a quiet individuality, combining functional strength with subtle elegance. His pots continue to be widely appreciated by bonsai practitioners for their reliability, aging character (経年変化), and harmonious pairing with both deciduous and evergreen trees.