I have a fascination with square pots, don’t ask me why… I bought this pot five years ago and have not been able to match a tree for it yet! It has been sitting on a bookshelf for all these years.
AKIRA SHOUZAN – 2nd Generation Watanabe Fumikazu (Jokousan) – Tokoname – 31.0cm – Square (四角鉢) – Unglazed Bonsai Pot
Product Details:
Region: Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture 常滑市
Kiln: Akira Shouzan 昭山窯
Potter: 2nd Generation Watanabe Fumikazu (Jokousan) 渡辺 珠康山
Seal: 三楽 (Sanraku)
Description:
This is a classic unglazed Tokoname bonsai pot crafted by Watanabe Fumikazu (渡辺珠康山), second-generation potter of the Akira Shouzan kiln (昭山窯). The pot bears the impressed square seal 「三楽」 (Sanraku), a documented working seal used by Jokousan during the mid-Showa period.
The pot is formed as a formal square (四角鉢) with subtly flared walls and a gentle taper, giving strength and clarity to the outline. The rim is slightly inward-sloping with a thickened lip, providing structural balance characteristic of Shouzan lineage work from this period.
The base is finished with stepped feet (踏み月), lightly recessed and angled outward, giving lift and presence while maintaining a grounded, formal stance. Clear banding on the underside reinforces the architectural quality of the design.
Fired in traditional Tokoname kilns, the pot is unglazed (無釉), using high-quality shudei clay. The surface shows fine natural texture and soft tonality consistent with mid-Showa Tokoname production, with subtle mellowing from age and handling.
Drainage consists of one large central hole and four secondary holes (排水穴・針金穴), suitable for long-term bonsai cultivation.
External dimensions:
31.0 × 31.0 × 11.0 cm
Condition:
There is a small, flat chip to the edge of one foot, difficult to detect and not affecting stability. Otherwise in excellent condition.
Free shipping to the UK Mainland with this pot.
