GYOUZAN 1st Generation – Nakano Yukizyou (中野行山) "Hand signed 爪描き" - 常滑 – 51cm Large Rectangular Bonsai Pot (長方形鉢・無釉)
Product Details: NOT FOR SALE HOSTING MY JWP!
Region: Tokoname 常滑市
Kiln: Gyouzan Kiln 行山窯
Potter: 1st Generation Gyouzan, Nakano Yukizyou (中野行山)
Description
This is a large, vintage, artisan-made Japanese bonsai pot, fully handmade (手造り) by the first generation of Gyouzan, Nakano Yukizyou, in Tokoname. This is not a production piece, but a true studio work personally formed and finished by the potter himself, as evidenced by the hand-cut architectural details and the incised signature (爪描き銘).
The pot is a classical rectangular form (長方形) with corner-cut and softly rounded edges (隅切り角丸) that flow seamlessly into the stepped corner feet. This continuous geometry from rim to foot creates a strong sense of balance and visual authority. The walls are straight with a subtle outward flare and are finished with a refined raised lip (口縁), giving the pot a powerful yet restrained presence.
A clearly defined basal band (下帯) runs around the lower body, visually separating the main wall structure from the feet and grounding the composition. Above this, recessed raised panels (浮彫り縁取り) are hand-cut on all four sides and framed by a clean border, reinforcing the pot’s calm, shibui (渋い) aesthetic.
The pot is unglazed (無釉), made from high-quality Tokoname clay. The natural surface shows subtle firing variation and will develop an exceptional patina (経年変化) over decades of use, a quality highly valued in serious bonsai cultivation.
The feet are stepped corner feet (隅段足), not integrated, and precisely follow the corner cuts of the body. This sophisticated construction is rarely found on factory work and clearly demonstrates high-level craftsmanship.
The interior base features multiple drainage and wiring holes (水抜き穴・針金穴), carefully arranged for secure planting and long-term health of the tree. The underside reveals natural firing tones and bears a vertically incised hand-carved signature reading 「行山」, together with an original oval label marked 「行山 手造鉢」, confirming it as a genuine handmade work from the Gyouzan kiln.
This is a powerful yet understated bonsai pot, ideal for mature deciduous bonsai or refined conifer compositions where structure, balance, and quiet authority are paramount.
External Dimensions
51.5 × 44.8 × 15.5 cm
Condition
Excellent, new condition.
Shipping
Free shipment within UK Mainland.
