INABA TOEN – Tokoname 常滑市 – 28.5cm Rectangular 長方鉢 – Unglazed 無釉

Product Details / 商品詳細:

Region / 産地: Tokoname 常滑市, Aichi Prefecture 愛知県
Kiln / 窯元: Inaba Toen
Potter / 陶工: Inaba Toen
Style / 形式: Handmade Japanese rectangular unglazed bonsai pot 手作り長方無釉鉢
Seal / Mark / 落款: Impressed Inaba Toen seal to the underside

Description / 説明:

A vintage artisan-made Japanese bonsai pot by Inaba Toen, produced in the renowned ceramic centre of Tokoname 常滑市. Formed in a strong rectangular shape (長方鉢) and crafted from unglazed Tokoname clay 無釉常滑土, this substantial container displays a distinctly architectural character with beautifully controlled proportions.

The pot features a broad projecting kuchi-fuchi (口縁) which gives the upper profile considerable presence. Beneath the rim, the walls descend with a pronounced outward flare, creating a strong transition from the upper edge into the deeper rectangular body and giving the vessel a confident, well-grounded stance.

The lower section is defined by a clearly articulated koshitai (腰帯), which strengthens the base visually and creates a harmonious transition into the four distinctive corner feet.

The feet are integrally formed and carefully shaped at each corner, with a stepped, almost key-like profile reminiscent of kagi-ashi (鍵足). Their geometric treatment follows the strong architectural language of the body and gives the underside considerable visual character while providing excellent stability.

The clay body is dense and finely textured, with a muted brown-grey tone and attractive tsuchi-aji (土味). Age and use have developed a mature keinen no fuai (経年の風合い) across the surface, giving the pot depth and an understated sense of shibui (渋い).

The interior is cleanly finished and incorporates a practical drainage layout consisting of one central square drainage hole (角形排水穴) together with four round drain/wiring holes (排水・針金穴), providing efficient drainage and secure anchoring for the root mass.

The underside bears the impressed Inaba Toen seal, confirming the correct attribution of the pot. Inaba Toen is documented as a Tokoname maker, and contemporary specialist references identify surviving examples as handmade unglazed Tokoname bonsai pots.

External dimensions / 外寸: 28.5 × 21.2 × 10.0cm

Internal dimensions / 内寸: 24.4 × 17.0 × 7.3cm

Condition / 状態: Excellent! 非常に良好

Free shipment with this pot in UK Mainland

About the Potter – Inaba Toen

Inaba Toen is a recognised Tokoname bonsai pottery maker whose work is documented in specialist Tokoname seal references and in surviving handmade bonsai containers attributed to the kiln. Published examples are predominantly robust unglazed rectangular pots, often characterised by strong architectural forms, substantial walls and carefully considered foot construction.

Detailed biographical information on the individual potter behind Inaba Toen appears to be limited, so it is best treated as a recognised Tokoname maker or kiln attribution rather than assigning an unverified personal biography.

Collector’s Note / コレクターズノート

This example is particularly interesting because the impressed mark identifies it as Inaba Toen, a recognised but comparatively less frequently encountered Tokoname name. Specialist references list Inaba Toen among established Tokoname makers, while surviving market examples confirm a tradition of substantial handmade unglazed rectangular pots.

The combination of the pronounced projecting kuchi-fuchi (口縁), strongly flared walls, defined koshitai (腰帯) and distinctive stepped kagi-ashi (鍵足) gives this piece considerable individuality. The central square drainage hole, four auxiliary drain/wiring holes and mature Tokoname clay further reinforce its appeal as both a functional bonsai container and a collectable example of traditional Tokoname bonsai pottery (常滑盆栽鉢).