Heian Kōsen (平安香泉, Hashimoto Yoshikazu 橋本義一, 1933–2014) - 京都 – 9.2cm Rectangular unglazed (mukōyū 無釉) Not for Sale

Product Details:

Region: Japan, Kyoto (京都)
Kiln Lineage: Kyō-yaki / Kiyomizu-yaki (京焼・清水焼)
Potter: Heian Kōsen (平安香泉, Hashimoto Yoshikazu 橋本義一, 1933–2014)

Description:

A vintage, artisan-made Japanese bonsai pot by Heian Kōsen, executed in a refined rectangular form with softly rounded corners. The overall silhouette is calm and grounded, reflecting the Kyoto aesthetic emphasis on balance, restraint, and structural harmony rather than overt decoration.

 The walls rise in a straight, composed profile and terminate in a clearly defined internal rim (uchibuchi 内縁), which strengthens the form while providing a controlled visual frame for the planting. The exterior surface is fully worked with a fine, uniform texture reminiscent of samehada-chō 鮫肌調, lending the pot a tactile, stone-like presence and enhancing its sense of age and depth.

The unglazed body reveals an iron-rich clay that has matured beautifully over time, developing a deep, natural patina (keika 経過) through decades of use and handling. Subtle tonal variation across the surface adds visual richness without disrupting the pot’s quiet authority. A low basal area (kiban 基盤) anchors the form, reinforcing stability and visual weight.

The pot stands on subtly recessed, rounded stepped-style feet (marumi o obita dan-ashi fū no hikikomi-ashi 丸みを帯びた段足風の引き込み足), hand-formed from the base mass rather than sharply cut. The step transition is implied rather than explicit, softened and absorbed into the body of the pot. This restrained foot treatment is characteristic of Heian-school Kyoto bonsai ware, providing quiet lift and structural support while preserving continuity of form and a calm, grounded presence.

The interior shows natural hand-finishing marks, underscoring the handmade character of the piece. Two drainage holes and two wiring holes are cleanly executed, ensuring excellent functionality for bonsai cultivation while maintaining aesthetic integrity.

External Dimensions: 9.2 x 8.2 x 3.6cm

Condition: Excellent condition. The pot shows only age-appropriate wear consistent with careful use. There are no cracks, repairs, or structural issues.

About the Potter (for Collectors):

Heian Kōsen 平安香山 was a Kyoto-based potter working within the Kyō-yaki / Kiyomizu-yaki tradition, a lineage celebrated for refinement, precision, and historical depth. While Kyoto is best known for tea ceramics, select potters such as Kōsen produced high-quality bonsai ware that emphasized proportion, clay character, and subtle surface treatment. Bonsai pots bearing the Heian Kōsen mark are valued for their understated sophistication, mature patina, and strong yet quiet forms, appealing to collectors who prioritize authenticity, balance, and classical Japanese aesthetics.