HAYASHI TŌJAKU 陶雀 – 常滑 - 10.4cm Rectangular bamboo-basket motif (竹編み文様, take-ami monyo

Product Details: In my collection, but you can make me an offer...

Region: Tokoname 常滑市
Kiln: – Tojaku
Potter: 林陶雀 (Hayashi Tōjaku / 本名: 林 忠, born 1935)
Form: Rectangular (長方形鉢, chōhōkei-bachi)
Clay: Unglazed Tokoname clay (無釉, muyū)

Description:

A finely crafted vintage Japanese bonsai pot by Hayashi Tōjaku of Tokoname, executed in a compact rectangular form with strong, architectural balance. The pot features a recessed interior rim (内縁, uchi-fuchi) that enhances planting stability and visual depth. The walls rise cleanly with straight, disciplined lines, while the exterior is accented by a pierced bamboo-basket motif (竹編み文様, take-ami monyō) carved in low relief, a design that adds rhythm and refinement without overwhelming the form.

The clay body is a warm, earthy Tokoname shudei-toned stoneware with a slightly grogged texture (砂気のある素地, sunake no aru soji). Over time, the surface has developed a natural, subdued patina (古色, koshoku), giving the pot a quiet sense of age and dignity. The rim is subtly defined, creating a gentle lip (口縁, kōen) that frames the composition and contributes to a powerful yet restrained presence.

The base shows carefully cut stepped feet (段足, dan-ashi) that lift the pot with confidence while maintaining stability. Two round drainage holes (水抜き穴, mizunuki-ana) are neatly finished, suitable for both drainage and wiring, reflecting Tōjaku’s practical understanding of bonsai cultivation. The underside bears the impressed square seal 「陶雀」, confirming authorship.

Overall, this pot expresses Tokoname’s hallmark balance of utility and aesthetics, making it particularly well-suited for shohin or small chuhin bonsai, especially deciduous species or refined literati compositions.

External dimensions: 10.4 × 8.1 × 3.5 cm

Condition: Excellent.

On the underside is an impressed square seal (方形印 hokei-in), pressed neatly into the clay. The seal reads 陶雀 (Tojaku)The characters are in 篆書体 (tensho-tai – seal script style), with slightly rounded strokes, typical of Tojaku’s impressed marks. The seal is set within a recessed square border, clearly legible and well-struck.

For collectors, this seal is a primary mark of authenticity, confirming the pot as an original by 林陶雀 (Hayashi Tojaku).

Extended Biography / 作家について

Hayashi Tojaku — 林陶雀 (陶号: 陶雀, 本名: 林 忠, 1935年 京都生まれ)

Hayashi Tojaku was born in 1935 in Kyoto. Known under his art name 陶雀 (Tojaku), his real name was Hayashi Tadashi (林 忠). He became one of the pioneering makers of mame (豆鉢) and shohin (小品鉢) bonsai pots in the Kansai (関西) region.

With a background in casting and applied crafts, he brought an unusual level of precision and creativity to small bonsai containers. Around the early 1970s, Tojaku dedicated himself fully to bonsai pot production. His works include:

彫刻 (chokoku – carved reliefs) of animals, symbols, and landscapes.

染付 (sometsuke – underglaze blue porcelain) and painted motifs.

辰砂釉 (tensha / cinnabar red glazes) and natural 土物 (tsuchimono – unglazed clay).

Tojaku was admired for giving character and personality to small containers, balancing 実用 (jitsuyo – function) with 芸術性 (geijutsusei – artistry). His pots are considered refined examples of 小品美 (shohin-bi – beauty in miniature).

He also taught and influenced other artisans, notably Wajaku (和雀), who carried on the Kansai small-pot tradition. Many dealers today confirm that Tojaku has passed away, though exact records of his death are not clearly documented.

Collectors prize his pieces for their rarity, craftsmanship, and for the distinctive 作印 (sakuin – maker’s mark) impressed on the base.