GYOUZAN 1st Gen (Nakano Yukizyou) "爪描き" – Tokoname – 28.5cm Oval Bag-Shaped Pot
Region (産地): Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture (常滑市)
Kiln (窯元): GYOUZAN (行山)
Potter (作家): Nakano Yukizyou – 1st Generation (初代 中野行山)
Size: 28.5 x 24.0 x 8.3 cm
Shape: Oval "Bag-shaped" (楕円袋形鉢 – daen fukuro-gata bachi)
Product Details: Not for Sale
A beautifully proportioned, vintage bag-shaped oval bonsai pot (袋形楕円鉢 – fukuro-gata daen-bachi) by the renowned Tokoname master GYOUZAN 初代 (Nakano Yukizyou / 中野行山). This pot is signed with the characteristic 爪描き (Tsumegaki) or "claw-drawn" mark — a hand-carved signature unique to the early works of Gyouzan 1st Gen.
The form is full-bodied and soft, expanding outward with a gentle curve that evokes the traditional fukuro-gata (bag-shape) style — offering both visual weight and natural softness. The well-defined double lip (縁 – fuchi) adds structure and elegance, while the body swells and tapers smoothly toward the base. The pot is supported by four perfectly recessed cut feet (隠し足 – kakushi ashi) that provide subtle lift and excellent stability.
Made from unglazed red-brown groggy Tokoname clay (無釉赤茶の荒土), this piece has a rich, earthy texture. The clay’s surface has started to develop a natural patina (景色 – keshiki) — a sign of age and quality. Ideal for semi-cascade (半懸崖), informal upright (模様木), or elegant literati-style (文人木) trees.
External Dimensions:28.5 cm x 24.0 cm x 8.3 cm
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Condition: Excellent! 無傷で素晴らしい状態です。
No chips, cracks, or structural flaws. An outstanding piece for use or display.
Collector’s Note: / コレクターズノート
Early works by Gyouzan (暁山) have become increasingly scarce on the market, particularly examples that combine strong form, clean execution, and a rich sense of 土味 (tsuchi-aji) such as this piece. The harmonious balance of proportion, the carefully executed feet (爪描き脚), and the use of classic Tokoname clay exemplify the refined craftsmanship characteristic of first-generation Gyouzan works.
Pieces from this early period are especially valued for their understated elegance (控えめな美) and structural confidence, qualities that have become hallmarks of Nakano Yukizyou’s legacy. This pot embodies the timeless functionality and quiet sophistication that continue to make early Gyouzan ceramics highly sought after by serious collectors and bonsai practitioners worldwide.
