Marutsune Ryuugaku (丸常 龍岳) / Matsumoto Takashi (松本 隆) – 常滑 – 46.0cm round Namban bonsai pot (南蛮鉢), unglazed (無釉).
Name, origin, form: Marutsune Ryuugaku “Matsumoto Takashi”, Tokoname, large round Namban bonsai pot (南蛮鉢), unglazed (無釉).
Product Details:
Region: Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
Kiln: Marutsune kiln (丸常窯)
Potter: Marutsune Ryuugaku (丸常 龍岳) / Matsumoto Takashi (松本 隆)
Description:
A vintage, from the Showa period, artisan-made Japanese bonsai pot in the traditional Namban style (南蛮鉢), produced in Tokoname by Marutsune Ryuugaku, also known as Matsumoto Takashi. The pot is formed from iron-rich Tokoname clay with a naturally coarse texture, left unglazed to emphasise the raw material and earthy character. The low, expansive round form conveys a strong sense of stability and age, well suited to powerful, mature bonsai.
The rim is thick and hand-finished, showing subtle natural irregularity, with a gentle internal return (内縁) that strengthens the opening while maintaining a restrained and utilitarian profile. The walls descend directly into the base in a continuous flow, reinforcing the monolithic presence typical of orthodox Namban ware. Over time, the clay surface has developed a deep, earthy tone with an excellent natural patina (経年変化), through decades of age and use, contributing strongly to the wabi-sabi (侘寂) aesthetic valued in Namban pots.
The base is pierced with multiple drainage and wiring holes (水抜き穴・針金穴), cleanly cut and arranged for practical bonsai use. The underside bears the impressed square seal of Marutsune (丸常) identifying Ryuugaku / Matsumoto Takashi.
External dimensions: 46.0 × 5.5 cm
Internal dimensions: 42.5 × 4.6 cm
Condition: Excellent
Free shipment within UK Mainland.
Collector’s Note: / コレクターズノート
Marutsune Ryuugaku (丸常 龍岳), real name Matsumoto Takashi (松本 隆), was a Tokoname potter associated with the Marutsune kiln, working in one of Japan’s most important centers for bonsai ceramics. His work is respected for its strong forms, honest use of clay, and adherence to traditional aesthetics, particularly in unglazed and Namban-style bonsai pots. Ryuugaku’s pieces emphasize mass, balance, and natural surface character, allowing the material itself to convey age and presence. Today, his pots are appreciated by collectors for their quiet strength, authenticity, and suitability for mature, character-rich bonsai, reflecting the enduring Tokoname tradition.
