KEIZAN Hisada 久山 桂山 - 常滑 –44.7cm Rectangular Unglazed

KEIZAN Hisada 久山 桂山 – 常滑 – 44.7cm Rectangular Unglazed

Product Details:

Region: Tokoname 常滑市
Kiln: Hisada Kiln 久田窯
Potter: Hisada Keizan 久山 桂山

Description:

A refined, vintage Tokoname-yaki (常滑焼) bonsai pot by master craftsman Keizan Hisada (久山桂山). This rectangular (chōhōkei 長方形) unglazed pot exemplifies the elegant restraint and functional artistry that define Keizan’s work. The walls taper gently upward with a subtle outward flare (sorihada 反り肌), finished with a clean, slightly projecting lip (fuchi 縁) that creates a composed and balanced silhouette.

The pot rests on straight-cut feet (chokukiri ashi 直切り足) that angle slightly outward (soto-muki 外向き), lending the form both stability and visual poise. A double basal band (chūdan 中段) runs above the feet, accentuating the lower structure and grounding the pot beautifully.

The fine-grained Tokoname clay (Tokoname-tsuchi 常滑土) shows a natural, soft grey tone with delicate speckling, giving warmth and texture. Over time, it has developed a subtle surface sheen (hada 肌) that speaks to age and use.

Functional details include well-formed drainage (mizu-nuki 水抜き) and wiring holes (hajime ana 針金穴), characteristic of Keizan’s precise workmanship. The proportions and finish make this an excellent choice for refined conifers or deciduous bonsai alike.

Additional Note:
The base bears Keizan’s impressed kiln seal (inban 印判), confirming its authenticity as a product of the Hisada workshop. The drainage and wiring holes are precisely executed, and the crisp inner corner cuts (sumikiri 隅切り) reflect meticulous craftsmanship typical of Keizan’s work.

External Dimensions: 44.7 × 26.1 × 9.2cm

Condition: Excellent!

 Shipping: Free Shipping to mainland UK on this pot!

About the Potter – Hisada Keizan (久田桂山):

Keizan Hisada, also known as Sadao Hisada (久田貞雄), is a renowned figure in the world of bonsai pottery, recognised for his exquisite craftsmanship and significant contributions to the art of bonsai. Born in 1930 in Tokoname, Japan, he is the son of Shizuo Hisada, who established the Hisada workshop in 1929, initially producing bricks before transitioning into bonsai pottery.

Over time, Keizan elevated the family’s production into a respected kiln, creating some of the most sought-after unglazed bonsai pots, which allow the natural character of Tokoname clay to shine through. His pots are celebrated for their refined forms, elegant motifs, and subtle yet powerful aesthetics.

Coming from a long pottery tradition, Keizan not only inherited but also expanded upon his father’s legacy. His works are regarded as both functional containers and artworks (kōgeihin 工芸品), reflecting a deep understanding of pottery technique and the aesthetics of bonsai.

Collector’s Note:

Signed works by Hisada Keizan (久田桂山) are highly sought after by bonsai enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. While many Tokoname pots are stamped with workshop seals, Keizan reserved his hand-inscribed nail signature (mei 銘) and accompanying seal for only his finest creations. This makes signed Keizan pots comparatively rare and significantly more desirable in the market.

Authenticity (真正性 shinsei-sei): The presence of Keizan’s personal mei and seal is a direct mark of his hand and attention.

Provenance (由緒 yui-sho): As part of the distinguished Hisada lineage, each piece carries both family and regional tradition.

Aesthetic Balance (美的均衡 biteki kinkō): Keizan’s works are admired for their ability to harmonise with both coniferous and deciduous bonsai, enhancing rather than competing with the tree.

Owning such a pot is not only an investment in a functional bonsai container but also in a piece of Japanese ceramic heritage (Nihon tōgei isan 日本陶芸遺産).