Tokoname Bonsai Pot – SEIZAN (誠山) – Rectangular, 58.5cm
Product Details:
Region: Tokoname, Japan (常滑市)
Kiln: Seizan Kiln (誠山窯)
Potter: SEIZAN (誠山) – Master Kataoka Makoto (片岡 誠)
This large, unglazed rectangular bonsai pot by 3rd-generation SEIZAN (誠山), Kataoka Makoto (片岡 誠) exemplifies the quiet strength and refined geometry associated with early Tokoname (常滑焼) craftsmanship. The design balances formality with subtle visual dynamism, aligning with the aesthetics of 侘寂 (wabi-sabi) and 渋い (shibui) — understated, mature elegance.
It features, A pronounced internal planting rim (内縁, nai-en)Slightly tapered walls that widen gently from the base to the rim, crisp square-edged corners, lending it a strong architectural profile, a distinctive dual top band (二重上縁, nijū jōen): two finely articulated parallel ridges just below the rim, adding a sense of layering and crafted detail that elevates the otherwise minimal form.
Rather than the characteristic warm red hue of some Tokoname clay, this piece is crafted from a muted, earthy brown body, likely high-fired for durability. The surface has begun to develop a natural patina (風合い, fu-ai), enhancing the tactile quality and 土味 (tsuchi-aji) — the unique “flavor” of aged clay — that connoisseurs value deeply.
Foot Construction (足作り, ashi-zukuri), The stepped corner feet (段付き足, dan-tsuki ashi) are composed of two clearly defined horizontal layers, providing a crisp, stable base. A third horizontal element — the basal band — wraps around the lower body, creating the illusion of a three-tiered structure. This visual trick subtly elongates the pot's profile and provides continuity from body to foot, enhancing balance and elegance.
Dimensions: External: 58.5 × 39 × 10cm
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Condition: Excellent – beginning to develop a natural surface patina (風合いが出始めています)
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 (常滑市). Known professionally as SEIZAN (誠山), he became renowned for his mastery of unglazed bonsai containers, especially in the tradition of 古渡 (Kowatari) — a style influenced by antique Chinese ceramics. His works are admired for their formal precision, quiet dignity, and the rich surface quality that evolves with age and use.
He is the father of Kataoka Katsushi (片岡 克司), known as Reiho (玲峰), a celebrated contemporary potter who now continues the Seizan tradition.
