NAKANO GYOZAN 中野 行山 "Hand signed 爪描き" - 常滑 - 28.0cm Rectangular Unglazed (長方形 無釉)

Description / 説明

A vintage artisan-made Japanese bonsai pot by 1st Generation Gyozan, Nakano Yukizyou（初代行山・中野行常）, produced at the Gyozan Kiln（行山窯） in Tokoname 常滑市.

This substantial rectangular unglazed pot（長方形・無釉） has beautifully restrained proportions, with softly rounded corners and walls that open gently outward toward the upper edge （外開き）. The clean, undecorated body allows the quality and natural character of the Tokoname clay to remain the dominant feature.

The upper edge is softly rounded and substantial without appearing heavy. Inside, the planting area is framed by a clearly defined internal rim（内縁）, following the softly rounded rectangular outline and giving the interior a particularly clean and refined finish.

The lower body transitions naturally into four incised cut feet（四足・切足）. Their broad, gently curved profiles follow the geometry of the pot, while the incised construction gives the vessel a strong and stable stance without interrupting the simplicity of the body.

The unglazed Tokoname clay（常滑土） is particularly attractive, displaying warm earthy tones ranging from ochre and reddish-brown through deeper brown areas. Fine mineral speckling and a subtly granular texture give the surface considerable natural character.

Age and cultivation have further developed the clay, producing attractive 土味（tsuchi-aji）, natural 経年変化（keinen henka） and individual 景色（keshiki） across the surface. Together these qualities give the pot the quiet 渋み（shibumi） associated with mature unglazed Japanese bonsai ceramics.

The simplicity of the form is particularly successful. Rather than relying upon applied decoration, the character of the pot comes from its proportions, clay, feet and careful functional construction, creating a strong balance of 実用性（jitsuyosei – functionality）, 造形美（zokei-bi – beauty of form） and 樹と鉢の調和（harmony between tree and container）.

The base incorporates six principal drainage holes（六ヶ所の排水穴） together with four smaller wiring holes（四ヶ所の針金穴）, providing excellent drainage and secure anchoring points for the tree.

At the centre is the distinctive Gyozan trademark central drainage arrangement, an immediately recognisable functional detail associated with his bonsai-pot construction.

This carefully organised base is an excellent example of Gyozan's attention to 実用性 and 用の美, where practical horticultural requirements are incorporated directly into the aesthetic and structural design of the container.

The underside also carries the important hand-incised 爪描き inscription, including the clearly carved 「中野行山」, preserving a direct physical trace of the maker's hand.

Dimensions / 寸法

External Dimensions / 外寸: 28.0 × 23.3 × 10.0cm
Internal Dimensions / 内寸: 24.5 × 20.0 × 7.7cm

Condition / 状態: Excellent / 非常に良好

Shipping / 配送 Free shipment with this pot in UK Mainland

About the Potter / 作家について – Nakano Gyozan 中野行山

Nakano Gyozan（中野行山） was one of the highly respected figures associated with modern Tokoname bonsai ceramics （常滑盆栽鉢）, admired for his controlled proportions, strong functional design and understated Japanese aesthetic.

His work is particularly valued for its combination of 実用性（jitsuyosei – functionality） and 造形美（zokei-bi – beauty of form）, with careful attention to the relationship between the tree and container （樹と鉢の調和）.

Following Nakano Gyozan's passing in 2026, his signed works have taken on additional significance for collectors. Pots bearing his personal 爪描き hand-incised signature, such as this example, preserve a direct trace of the maker's hand and form an important part of the surviving legacy of the Gyozan Kiln（行山窯）.

Collector's Note / コレクターズノート

This 28.0cm rectangular example is particularly appealing for the purity of its construction and the mature character of its unglazed Tokoname clay.

The softly rounded rectangular outline, gently 外開き walls, defined 内縁 and broad incised cut feet（切足） create a remarkably cohesive silhouette. Its restrained design places the emphasis firmly on proportion, craftsmanship and the natural qualities of the 常滑土.

The underside is particularly characteristic. Six drainage holes, four dedicated wiring holes, and the distinctive Gyozan trademark central drainage arrangement demonstrate the careful consideration given to the practical requirements of cultivating and securely anchoring a bonsai. It is an excellent expression of 実用性 and 用の美.

The naturally varied brown clay has developed attractive 土味・経年変化・景色, adding considerable depth and individuality to the otherwise restrained form.

Most significant from a collector's perspective is the personal 爪描き hand-incised inscription, including 「中野行山」. Following Gyozan's passing in 2026, these personally signed works form a finite part of his surviving production, preserving the direct mark of the maker and an important part of the legacy of 1st Generation Nakano Gyozan.