ICHIYU Kazutomo, Tokoname常滑 64cm Antic Oval

ICHIYU Kazutomo, Tokoname常滑 64cm Oval

I am going to be honest, I bought this pot because I love it, paid what seemed at the time a ridiculous price, for a potter that I did not know anything about.
But after my research, I have found that at laosgarden.com they are selling the same pot but 32cm larger a Є5,900
which makes my original investment not that crazy! 
It was meant to be used on my Japanese Acer, but everybody told me to keep the tree in a Blue pot! And this is why this pot is now for sale.

Product Details:

Region: Tokoname 常滑市
Kiln: Shingo Inokai
Potter: Ichiyu Kazutomo real name Shingo Inokai

A stunning antique bonsai pot, made by Ichiyu友, it reflects skilled craftsmanship and traditional Japanese aesthetics in classic oval “nagamaru” shape, with a well-balanced silhouette. It features an inner rim, with a slightly raised and rounded outer lip, which is finished with a refined raised border complementing the overall ‘shibui’ design. 

The low and wide appearance, giving it a strong horizontal visual weight, ideal for presenting aged, broad-canopied bonsai trees like elm, zelkova, or maples,
This large-format pot will provide ample room for nebari development and root spread.

The carved cloud feet “kumogata” is a traditional motif that adds sophistication and visual lift. Each foot is individually sculpted with symmetrical swirl patterns, suggesting high attention to form and balance. 

The clay, unglazed, warm reddish-brown, indicative of high-fired Tokoname-style or similar Japanese stoneware, has a smooth surface with minimal texture or flash that has allowed a natural, beautiful patina to develop over the years. 

External dimensions: 64.0 x 49.5 x 9.2cm

Internal dimensions: 56.7 x 42.5 x 5.5cm

Hand-nail signature above his personal seal.

Condition: Excellent! A light application of oil brings the beautiful colours and patina to this pot.
I have carefully checked the pot and am unable to find any chips, cracks or dents! 

https://www.laosgarden.com/gb/author-and-antique-pots/20818-bonsai-pot-jta8185-ichiyu.html

Background & Lineage

Ichiyu Kazutomo is the potter name used by Shingo Inokai, part of a dynasty of Tokoname potters dating back to 1886 Japanese Bonsai Pots Blog+8Laos Garden+8Laos Garden+8Laos Garden.

The seal “Ichiyu” is applied to pieces by Ichiyu Kazutomo (Shingo Inokai), indicating his authorship and heritage from this long-standing family line Laos Garden.

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Style & Significance

His pots are typically unglazed, crafted in classic Tokoname style with earthy, refined clay tones and clean design—a hallmark of traditional Tokoname craftsmanship Laos Garden.

Ichiyu’s work is considered author or “artist” – level, commanding respect among bonsai practitioners and valued by collectors for authenticity and lineage Reddit+10Laos Garden+10Laos Garden+10.

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Historical Context

Tokoname is one of Japan’s oldest kilns, famed for bonsai containers; the Inokai family has contributed across multiple generations to that heritage

Ichiyu fits into a broader tradition of artisan potters such as Watanabe Ikkou, Ito Gekkou, Ino Shukuho, and Tsukinowa Shosen, who are well-known modern masters rooted in Tokoname and Kyoto schools Japanese Bonsai Pots Blog+4topshelfbonsaipots.co.uk+4Japanese Bonsai Pots Blog+4.

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Reputation and Collectability

His pots appear in specialized bonsai and Japanese pottery markets, often sold at prices reflecting their artisan pedigree (e.g., around €670 for a 48 cm unglazed round pot, up to several thousand euros for larger or antique versions) Laos Garden.

Collectors and bonsai enthusiasts highly value pieces by Ichiyu/Shingo Inokai, regarding them as representative of the skilled Tokoname tradition.

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Why Ichiyu Matters?

As a continuation of a long Tokoname tradition, his work preserves traditional techniques nearly two centuries old.
The clear lineage and authentic seal offer confidence to collectors regarding provenance and quality.
Though not as widely covered as some painted-glaze potters, Ichiyu embodies the pure, minimalist ethos of classical Tokoname bonsai vessels.

Summary Table

Potter Name   Shingo Inokai (Ichiyu Kazutomo)

Kiln Region     Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, Japan

Family Lineage           Inokai dynasty since 1886

Style    Unglazed porcelain-style bonsai pots

Characteristics          Clean lines, earthy clay, “Ichiyu” seal nail-hand signature

Market Position          Author-level; premium collectable items