KEIZAN HISADA 久山 桂山 - Seal only 印のみ - 常滑 - 27.7cm Rectangular Unglazed 楕円形 無釉

KEIZAN HISADA 久田桂山 "Seal Only 印のみ" - Tokoname 常滑 - 27.7cm Rectangular Unglazed Bonsai Pot 長方鉢 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
Name: Hisada Sadao 久田貞雄
Marking: Seal only 印のみ
Style: Rectangular bonsai pot 長方鉢
Finish: Unglazed 無釉

Description:

A vintage artisan-made Japanese bonsai pot by 2nd Generation Hisada Keizan 二代 久田桂山, Hisada Sadao 久田貞雄, from the Hisada Kiln 久田窯 of Tokoname 常滑. This is a well-proportioned rectangular unglazed bonsai pot 長方無釉鉢, carrying the impressed Keizan seal 桂山印 on the underside. There is no incised signature, making this a “seal only” example 印のみ.

The pot has a strong rectangular form 長方鉢 with softly rounded sides and distinctive flared corners 隅張り. The body has a smooth, rounded profile, giving the piece a powerful yet elegant stance. The upper rim is gently flared with a projecting lip 反り口縁, creating a clean and balanced frame around the planting area.

The pot is supported by decorative cloud-stepped feet 雲形段足, integrated into the body with carved scroll-like details. These feet give the pot lift, movement, and character while keeping a refined Tokoname appearance. The contrast between the smooth rectangular body, flared corners, and decorative feet creates a strong sense of balance and stability.

The clay has a warm brown tone with a fine groggy texture 荒土調, showing attractive natural speckling throughout the body. The unglazed surface 無釉肌 is already beginning to develop a pleasing patina 時代感, with gentle sheen and depth visible across the walls, rim, and feet. With continued use, this surface will continue to mature beautifully over the coming decades.

The interior has a practical planting depth and includes drainage holes 水抜き穴 and wiring holes 針金穴 for secure bonsai training. The underside is neatly finished and shows the water and wiring holes, together with the impressed Keizan seal 桂山印, confirming its attribution to 2nd Generation Hisada Keizan 二代 久田桂山.

A very attractive Tokoname bonsai pot with excellent proportions, strong clay character, a flared rim, distinctive flared corners, and decorative cloud-stepped feet. Its balanced form and developing patina make it suitable for a refined bonsai composition as well as for collectors of Tokoname ware 常滑焼.

External dimensions: 27.7 x 21.5 x 10.3cm
Internal dimensions: 22.9 x 16.6 x 8.0cm

Condition: Excellent.

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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).