Yamada Jōzan I (初代 山田常山) – Jōzan Kiln – 13.5cm ( Not for Sale! )

Tokoname Bonsai Pot – Attributed to Yamada Jōzan I (初代 山田常山) – Jōzan Kiln – 13.5cm

商品詳細 / Product Details

産地 (Region): 常滑焼 Tokoname-yaki

窯元 (Kiln): 常山窯 – Jōzan Kiln

作家 (Potter): 初代 山田常山（山田浜次郎）– Yamada Jōzan I

Attributed via impressed seal / 窯印により attributed

形状 (Form): 丸鉢・碗形 Round pot / bowl-shaped / wan-kei

外寸 (External Dimensions): 約 13.5cm × 6cm

状態 (Condition): Excellent / 極上品

Description / 説明

Note: I bought this pot for my collection, and have taken the liberty of copying some of the text of the auction and incorporated to the description

A refined vintage Japanese bonsai pot (作家物の古陶盆栽鉢), produced in the distinguished Tokoname-yaki tradition. The impressed seal on the base corresponds to the documented mark used by Yamada Jōzan I (初代 山田常山 / Yamada Hamajirō), founder of the Jōzan lineage and one of Tokoname’s most significant Meiji–Shōwa era potters.

Therefore this pot is accurately attributed to Yamada Jōzan I.

The pot is formed in an elegant bowl-shaped, gently conical silhouette (碗形・緩やかな円錐形)—a timeless profile prized by collectors for its balance and suitability for shohin bonsai. The rounded rim (丸縁 / marufuchi) gives the form a soft, harmonious flow, embodying the understated refinement associated with early Jōzan kiln work.

Its surface displays a rich, natural olive-brown tone, enhanced by fine kannyū (貫入 / crackle) and subtle shading. The groggy Tokoname clay (砂気のある常滑土) has developed an appealing patina (経年の味わい), indicating long-term care and authentic age.

The pot stands on simple rounded feet (丸足 / maru-ashi), traditional for bowl-form Tokoname pots. The underside includes well-formed drainage and wiring holes (排水穴・針金穴) for practical bonsai use. The impressed Jōzan seal (常山窯印) is clear and definitive.

Overall, this is a classic and collector-grade example of early Tokoname craftsmanship, displaying the purity, balance, and aesthetic restraint for which Jōzan I is renowned.

Collector’s Note / コレクターズノート

Pieces attributed to Yamada Jōzan I (初代 山田常山) are increasingly rare and highly valued, especially when bearing a clean and well-struck workshop seal. His work is foundational in Tokoname ceramic history, and the Jōzan Kiln (常山窯) is recognized as one of the region’s most important studios.

This pot is especially desirable to collectors due to:

Authentic early Jōzan impressed seal (常山窯印)

 Classic bowl-shaped Tokoname form

Mature natural patina and stable glaze

Sought-after 13.5 cm shohin size

Excellent structural and aesthetic condition

High-quality examples attributed to Jōzan I seldom appear on the market, particularly in this size and state of preservation. This piece represents a strong, historically significant addition to any serious bonsai pottery collection.