KEIZAN HISADA 久田桂山 – 2nd Generation 二代 – Hisada Sadao 久田貞雄 – Seal only 印のみ - 常滑 - 61.2cm Oval Unglazed (楕円 無釉)

Product Details / 鉢の詳細

Region / 産地: Tokoname 常滑市, Aichi Prefecture 愛知県
Kiln / 窯元: Hisada Kiln 久田窯
Potter / 作家: Second Generation Hisada Keizan 二代 久田桂山
Personal Name / 本名: Hisada Sadao 久田貞雄
Form / 形状: Oval 楕円形鉢
Finish / 仕上げ: Unglazed 無釉
Marking / 陶印: Seal Only 印のみ – Impressed Keizan seal 桂山印

Description / 商品説明

A superb, substantial vintage Japanese bonsai pot by Second Generation Hisada Keizan（二代 久田桂山）, Hisada Sadao 久田貞雄, from Tokoname 常滑市. Measuring an impressive 61.2cm, this large oval （楕円形鉢） displays the restrained strength, balanced proportions and functional refinement characteristic of traditional Tokoname bonsai ceramics.

The broad, shallow oval has an elegant, well-proportioned profile. A gently flared projecting rim （外反り縁） gives the upper silhouette a subtle visual lift, while the straight walls soften naturally as they follow the curvature of the oval.

Toward the base, a defined lower basal band（下帯） runs continuously around the vessel, visually grounding the shallow form and providing a refined transition between the body and feet. The relationship between the projecting rim, restrained walls and lower band gives the pot a particularly convincing sense of 均衡 (kinko – balance), 調和 (chowa – harmony) and 安定感 (anteikan – stability).

The pot is formed from warm natural brown Tokoname clay（常滑土） and fired unglazed（無釉）, allowing the inherent character of the clay to remain fully visible. Its fine granular texture and subtle variation across the surface produce an attractive 土味 (tsuchi-aji), complemented by natural 経年変化 (kenen henka) and developing 景色 (keshiki) acquired through age and cultivation.

The vessel is supported by neatly formed incised cut feet（切足）, carefully proportioned to maintain the low stance of the shallow oval while providing the stability required for a large bonsai composition.

The underside incorporates a practical arrangement of drainage and wiring holes（排水穴・針金穴）, reflecting Keizan's attention to the functional requirements of bonsai cultivation. The base carries the impressed Keizan seal（桂山印） as its maker's mark. This is a Seal Only（印のみ） example, with the impressed seal providing the pot's attribution.

At more than 60cm across, the combination of considerable scale, shallow proportions and restrained unglazed finish makes this an excellent container for a substantial mature bonsai, where the pot can provide visual stability without competing with the tree.

Dimensions / 寸法

External Dimensions / 外寸: 61.2 × 45.0 × 7.5cm
Internal Dimensions / 内寸: 56.5 × 40.4 × 5.6cm

Condition / 状態

Excellent vintage condition / 非常に良好なヴィンテージコンディション

Shipping / 配送

Free Shipping to UK Mainland / 英国本土送料無料

Due to the considerable size of this pot, meeting halfway for collection can also be arranged and is recommended where practical, allowing safer transfer of this substantial piece.

About the Potter / 作家について

Hisada Sadao 久田貞雄, born in 1930 in Tokoname, is the Second Generation Hisada Keizan（二代 久田桂山). He is the son of Hisada Shizuo 久田静夫, who established the Hisada workshop in Tokoname in 1929.

Sadao continued the family's ceramic tradition and became particularly associated with traditional bonsai containers, including substantial unglazed forms in which proportion, clay character and practical functionality are carefully considered.

His unglazed work allows the natural qualities of Tokoname clay（常滑土） to remain central to the composition. Through firing, age and continued bonsai cultivation, the clay develops its characteristic 土味, 経年変化 and 景色, giving individual pots an increasingly mature character.

Keizan's restrained approach reflects the principles of 用の美 (yo no bi – beauty through function), 渋み (shibumi – understated refinement) and 品格 (hinkaku – dignity) that are particularly valued in traditional Japanese bonsai ceramics.

Collector's Note / コレクターズノート

Born in 1930, Hisada Sadao 久田貞雄 is now in his mid-nineties and remains a living representative of an increasingly senior generation of traditional Tokoname bonsai-pot makers. His long life and extraordinary association with the ceramic traditions of Tokoname give his surviving work particular historical interest within the development of post-war Japanese bonsai pottery.

This 61.2cm 楕円形鉢 is particularly noteworthy for its considerable scale and beautifully shallow proportions. The restrained 外反り縁, continuous 下帯, carefully formed 切足 and mature unglazed 常滑土 demonstrate the quiet, functional character associated with Keizan's work.

Importantly, this is a Seal Only（印のみ） example, bearing Keizan's impressed 桂山印. It should therefore be distinguished from Keizan pots carrying a hand-incised 銘; the impressed seal itself is the identifying maker's mark on this particular piece.

At this stage in Keizan's exceptionally long life, vintage examples of his work provide a tangible connection to one of Tokoname's senior living ceramic traditions. In a pot of this size, the developing 土味・景色・渋み, together with the disciplined proportions and functional 用の美, make it both an impressive working bonsai container and a significant piece for a collection of traditional Tokoname pottery.