KEIZAN, Tokoname, 49.6 rectangular, unglazed.
Product Details:
Region: Tokoname 常滑市
Kiln: Hisada
Potter: 2nd Gen Hisada Keizan (Sadao Hisada)
A very large, artisan-made rectangle with straight, square-edge corners, integrated feet, and an internal rim, we can see that it has developed a patina over the decades, creating a very rustic and powerful sense of balance that will emphasise your tree rather than competing and become the visual focus of your display.
External dimensions: 49.6 x 36.2 x 10.2cm
Hand-nail signature above his personal seal.
It is said that he only hand-signed the best of his work.
Condition: Excellent! There is some watermarking, but it disappears with a light application of oil, as shown.
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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).
