Tokoname Bonsai Pot – SEIZAN (誠山) – Rectangular, 58.5 cm
Region: Tokoname, Japan (常滑市)
Kiln: Seizan Kiln (誠山窯)
Potter: SEIZAN (誠山), Kataoka Makoto (片岡 誠)
This large, unglazed rectangular bonsai pot by third-generation SEIZAN (誠山), Kataoka Makoto (片岡 誠), exemplifies the quiet strength and refined geometry associated with high-quality Tokoname craftsmanship. The design balances formality with subtle visual dynamism, aligning closely with the aesthetics of wabi-sabi (侘寂) and shibui (渋い), expressing an understated, mature elegance.
The form features a pronounced internal planting rim (内縁, nai-en) and slightly tapered walls that widen gently from the base toward the rim. Crisp, square-edged corners lend the pot a strong architectural presence. A distinctive dual top band (二重上縁, niju joen), composed of two finely articulated parallel ridges just below the rim, introduces a sense of layering and deliberate craftsmanship that elevates the otherwise restrained form.
Rather than the characteristic warm red associated with some Tokoname clays, this piece is formed from a muted, earthy brown body with a subtle olive-grey cast, fired to a dense, durable finish. The surface has begun to develop a natural patina (風合い, fu-ai), enhancing both tactile depth and tsuchi-aji (土味), the nuanced “flavor” of aged clay that is highly prized by experienced collectors.
The foot construction (足作り, ashi-zukuri) is equally considered. The stepped corner feet (段付き足, dan-tsuki ashi) are formed from two clearly defined horizontal layers, providing a stable and visually crisp base. A continuous basal band wraps around the lower body, creating the visual impression of a third tier. This subtle structural device elongates the profile of the pot while reinforcing balance and continuity between body and foot.
Dimensions: External, 58.5 × 39 × 10 cm
Condition: Excellent, with the surface beginning to develop a natural patina (風合いが出始めています)
Free shipping to mainland UK on this pot.
About the Potter – 誠山三代・片岡 誠 (Kataoka Makoto)
Born in 1927, Kataoka Makoto (片岡 誠) was the third-generation master of the Seizan Kiln (誠山窯) in Tokoname. Working under the name SEIZAN (誠山), he became renowned for his mastery of unglazed bonsai containers, particularly those influenced by the kowatari (古渡) tradition, itself derived from antique Chinese ceramics. His work is admired for its formal precision, quiet dignity, and the depth of surface character that continues to evolve with age and use.
He was the father of Kataoka Katsushi (片岡 克司), known professionally as Reiho (玲峰), a highly regarded contemporary potter who continues the Seizan lineage today.
