GYOZAN 2nd Gen (Yuuji Nakano 中野 裕二 )"Hand signed 爪描き" - 常滑 – 33.5cm Square Unglazed 角鉢 無釉 On Hold please ask if interested.

GYOZAN 暁山 1st Gen (Nakano Yukijo 中野行常) "Hand signed 爪描き"

Product Details:
Region: Tokoname 常滑市
Kiln: Gyozan Kiln 暁山窯
Potter: 1st Generation Gyozan (Nakano Yukijo 中野行常)

Description
A vintage artisan-made Japanese bonsai pot by the 1st generation Gyozan (Nakano Yukijo), produced in Tokoname 常滑, one of Japan’s most respected ceramic centres for bonsai ware. This square pot is distinguished by its recessed and indented corners (隅落ち・角落ち), a strong architectural feature that begins at the rim lip and continues vertically through the body, flowing cleanly all the way down to the feet and giving the form a powerful, structured presence.

The pot features gently flared walls with a subtle taper, a clearly defined lower basal band (腰帯 koshitai), and stepped, hand-finished feet that provide both stability and visual balance. The clay body displays a soft, earthy tone with a fine surface texture and has developed an attractive natural patina 経年変化 over decades of time, enhancing depth and character. The overall design is restrained yet confident, expressing harmony 調和 and classic wabi-sabi 侘寂び aesthetics, making it particularly suitable for refined shohin and chuhin bonsai compositions.

The base is hand signed using tsume-egaki 爪描き (fingernail incised signature), confirming the pot’s authenticity and artisan origin. Multiple drainage and wiring holes 水抜き穴・針金穴 are neatly finished, reflecting both practical design and high-quality Tokoname craftsmanship.

External dimensions: 33.5 x 33.3 x 9.8cm
Internal dimensions: 29.7 x 29.6 x 7.5cm
Condition: Excellent!

Free shipment with this pot in UK Mainland

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.