NAKANO GYOZAN 中野 行山 "Hand signed 爪描き" - 常滑 - 40.2cm Rectangular Unglazed 長方形 無釉 Bamboo-Motif (竹意匠)

Product Details / 鉢の詳細

Region / 産地: Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture（常滑市）
Kiln / 窯: Gyouzan Kiln（暁山窯）
Potter / 作家: 2nd Generation Gyozan – Nakano Yuuji 中野裕二
Hand signed / (爪描き)

Description / 説明:

A vintage, artisan-made Japanese bonsai pot, in a classical rectangular shape (長方形) and crafted from natural, unglazed Tokoname clay (無釉常滑土), this substantial container combines disciplined proportions with a distinctive hand-modelled bamboo design.

The pot features a broad and well-defined internal rim (内縁), providing structural strength and generous planting depth. Its walls follow clean, predominantly straight lines, softened by smoothly rounded corners that create a balanced and harmonious rectangular silhouette.

The defining artistic feature is the continuous raised bamboo motif (竹意匠) encircling the body. Rather than a conventional plain band, the decoration has been carefully formed to resemble natural bamboo canes 竹, complete with raised joints and clearly modelled nodes 竹の節. The motif introduces subtle organic rhythm and movement while preserving the clean architectural character of the pot.

Bamboo has long represented strength, resilience, flexibility and longevity within Japanese culture. Its restrained use on this container gives the piece a distinctly Japanese identity without overwhelming the simplicity and balance of the rectangular form. The hand-worked character of the bamboo decoration adds individuality and sculptural depth to the design.

The warm brown Tokoname clay displays a refined, lightly textured surface with attractive tsuchi-aji (土味). Natural ageing has enriched the clay with subtle tonal variation and a mature patina (経年変化), enhancing its depth and understated character.

The pot is supported by four carefully executed recessed cut feet (切足). The feet are cut from the lower body and set back from the outer walls, producing a subtle shadow line beneath the pot. This gives the substantial rectangular form a lighter visual presence while maintaining a stable and well-balanced stance.

The underside bears the clearly executed hand-incised signature of Nakano Yuuji (中野裕二), known as tsumegaki (爪描き). The base is arranged with one central drainage hole, four additional drainage holes and eight wiring holes (排水穴・針金穴), providing effective drainage and ample options for securely anchoring a mature bonsai.

External dimensions: 40.2 × 30.8 × 11.0cm
Internal dimensions: 34.8 × 25.1 × 7.8cm

Condition: Excellent! 非常に良好

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Collector’s Note / コレクターズノート

This is a fine hand-signed example by Gyouzan 2nd Generation, Nakano Yuuji 中野裕二, distinguished by its substantial proportions, strong rectangular construction and highly individual bamboo decoration.

The continuous raised bamboo motif (竹意匠) is the principal artistic feature of the pot. Its carefully formed canes, raised joints and naturalistic nodes introduce organic movement while maintaining the disciplined geometry of the container. This harmonious combination of architectural form and botanical detail gives the piece a distinctive and refined presence.

The hand-incised tsumegaki signature (爪描き銘) identifies this as a personally signed work by Nakano Yuuji rather than a seal-only production. The broad internal rim, finely executed recessed cut feet (切足) and practical arrangement of five drainage holes and eight wiring holes (排水穴・針金穴) demonstrate both artistic refinement and a clear understanding of bonsai cultivation.

The warm Tokoname clay, mature tsuchi-aji (土味) and symbolic bamboo design create a quiet sense of shibui (渋い) and chowa (調和). Signed works by Nakano Yuuji of this size, particularly examples carrying such a distinctive hand-modelled bamboo motif, are highly desirable among collectors of quality Tokoname bonsai pottery.