KEIZAN Hisada 久田 桂山 – 常滑 Tokoname – 49.6cm Oval Unglazed (楕円 無釉)
Product Details:
Region: Tokoname 常滑市
Kiln: Hisada Kiln 久田窯
Potter: 2nd Generation Hisada Keizan 二代 久田桂山 (Hisada Sadao 久田貞夫)
Description:
An exceptional vintage handmade Japanese bonsai pot (手作り盆栽鉢) by the esteemed Tokoname potter 2nd Gen. Hisada Keizan (久田桂山).
This large oval form (楕円形) is crafted from fine-grained Tokoname clay (常滑土), unglazed (無釉) and beautifully fired to a soft natural brown hue. The surface shows a delicate warmth and gentle sheen, with a subtle patina (経年の風合い) that speaks of age and quiet refinement.
The pot features smooth rising walls with slightly inward-curving sides (内傾斜のある側面), and precisely cut inset feet (切り込み足), giving the piece a powerful yet balanced presence (均整の取れた姿). The rim is understated and clean (控えめな縁), harmonising perfectly with the minimalist form.
On the underside, Keizan’s impressed seal (桂山印) is clearly visible beside a well-structured drainage layout—one large central hole with four smaller wiring holes (排水穴・針金穴)—a hallmark of traditional Tokoname craftsmanship (常滑焼の伝統的な作り).
External Dimensions: 49.6 × 39.0 × 10.5 cm
Internal Dimensions: 45.7 × 35.0 × 8.5 cm
Condition: Excellent! (非常に良好な状態)
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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 (工芸品 kōgeihin), 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 (銘 mei) 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 (日本陶芸遺産 Nihon tōgei isan).
