Banko Shunzan 春山（爪描き）– 萬古焼・三重県 – 11.5cm Rectangular Crystalline Celadon Crackle Glazed Bonsai Pot（隅入長方形 青磁結晶貫入釉

Banko Shunzan 春山（爪描き）– 萬古焼・三重県 – 11.5cm Rectangular Crystalline Celadon Crackle Glazed Bonsai Pot（隅入長方形 青磁結晶貫入釉）

Product Details:

Region: Banko Ware (萬古焼), Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, Japan (三重県四日市市)
Kiln: Bankoharuyama (萬古春山)
Potter: Banko Shunzan 春山
Real Name: Motozo Sasaoka (笹岡元造)
Handmade soft-cornered rectangular bonsai pot (隅入長方形), finished in a refined pale celadon crystalline crackle glaze (青磁結晶貫入釉).
Signature: Hand Signed (爪描き) with impressed kiln seal (落款).

Description:

A finely handcrafted Japanese bonsai pot by Banko Shunzan (春山), the artist name of Motozo Sasaoka (笹岡元造), an accomplished ceramic artist working within the distinguished Banko Ware (萬古焼) tradition of Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture.

This elegant 隅入長方形 (soft-cornered rectangular) bonsai pot is finished in a beautiful 青磁結晶貫入釉 (Seiji Kessho Kannyu-yu). The naturally developed 貫入 (kannyu) combines with the crystalline surface to create exceptional depth and subtle tonal variation, while the soft celadon glaze contrasts beautifully with the exposed warm chocolate-brown clay body (茶褐色の土肌), producing a refined and distinctly Japanese aesthetic.

The body features slightly inward-tapering walls (わずかに内反する胴) that rise gracefully to a broad rounded rim (丸縁) with a smoothly finished internal rim (内縁), creating a balanced silhouette that embodies the understated elegance of Shibui (渋い) design.

The underside is carefully finished with a recessed base (落とし底) and supported by finely proportioned recessed angled cut feet (斜め切足), providing both stability and visual lightness. The base bears the artist's hand-incised signature (爪描き) together with the impressed kiln seal (落款), confirming its authenticity.

The interior is fitted with two drainage holes (水抜き穴) and four wiring holes (針金穴), making the pot fully functional for bonsai cultivation while preserving the refined craftsmanship expected of an artisan-made Japanese bonsai container.

The harmonious proportions, elegant construction and beautifully developed celadon crystalline crackle glaze make this an excellent example of traditional Banko Ware, suitable for refined Shohin (小品盆栽) and Mame Bonsai (豆盆栽) compositions.

External Dimensions: 11.5 × 9.5 × 3.0 cm
Internal Dimensions: 10.1 × 7.8 × 2.2 cm

Condition: Excellent condition. There are no cracks, chips or repairs. The glaze, hand-incised signature and impressed kiln seal are all well preserved.

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Potter Biography:

Banko Shunzan (春山) is the artist name of Motozo Sasaoka (笹岡元造), born on 2 May 1936 into a family of traditional Banko Ware (萬古焼) potters in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture. From an early age he learned pottery under the guidance of his father while assisting in the family workshop producing teapots and flower vessels.

He later established the Bankoharuyama (萬古春山) kiln, where he dedicated much of his career to researching and perfecting traditional Japanese and Chinese glazes. His work was particularly inspired by the ceramics of the Song (宋) and Yuan (元) dynasties, leading him to conduct extensive studies and countless kiln firings in pursuit of exceptional Tenmoku (天目釉), Celadon (青磁釉) and other classical glaze traditions.

Throughout his career, Shunzan exhibited his work extensively, including participation in the Yokkaichi Products Exhibition, while remaining committed to traditional wheel-throwing techniques (ろくろ成形) and hand-building methods (手びねり). His ceramics are admired for their elegant forms, refined glaze development and faithful continuation of the distinguished Banko Ware tradition.

Collector's Note (収集家のコメント):

Pieces by Banko Shunzan are appreciated by collectors for their refined forms and exceptional glaze development, reflecting decades of research into traditional East Asian ceramics. Examples bearing both the artist's hand-incised signature (爪描き) and impressed kiln seal (落款) are particularly desirable, demonstrating the careful craftsmanship and authenticity associated with the Bankoharuyama (萬古春山) kiln. This example beautifully combines a refined 青磁結晶貫入釉 glaze with classic Banko Ware construction, making it an excellent addition to any serious bonsai pottery collection.