KEIZAN Hisada 久田 桂山 – 常滑 – 36.6cm Rectangular unglazed Bamboo motif 竹の意匠
Product Details:
Region: Tokoname 常滑市
Kiln: Hisada 久田窯
Potter: 2nd Gen. Hisada Keizan 久田桂山 (Sadao Hisada 久田貞雄)
Description:
An exceptional vintage rectangular (長方形 chōhōkei) bonsai pot handcrafted by Hisada Keizan (久田桂山) of Tokoname. This artisan-made piece features a refined internal rim (内縁 uchibuchi) and a delicately rendered mid-band bamboo motif (竹の意匠 take no ishō), which provides both elegance and structural balance.
The pot rests on well-proportioned cut feet (切足 kiri-ashi), which provide stability while enhancing its classic silhouette. The unglazed Tokoname clay (常滑土, Tokoname-tsuchi) exhibits a natural, earthy tone with a slightly groggy surface texture, which contributes to its durability and traditional aesthetic. Over the decades, it has developed a beautiful patina (景色 keshiki) that enriches its character and appeal to collectors.
Keizan’s works are admired for their harmony between form and detail, and this pot exemplifies his mastery. The softened rectangular shape conveys warmth and subtlety, while the bamboo band detail creates a sense of balance and understated strength.
It bears at the base Keizan’s personal nail signature and seal (銘 mei & 印 in) — a mark he is said to reserve only for his finest work.
External Dimensions: 36.6 x 28.7 x 10 cm
Condition: Excellent! (優良状態 yūryō jōtai)
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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.
