SHOZAN 松山 – Watanabe Shozo 渡辺正三 - 常滑 - 49.4cm Rectangular 長方形 – Unglazed 無釉

Product Details / 鉢の詳細

Region / 産地: Tokoname 常滑市, Aichi Prefecture 愛知県
Kiln / 窯元: Shozan 松山
Potter / 作家: Shozan 松山 – Watanabe Shozo 渡辺正三
Form / 形状: Rectangular（長方形鉢）
Finish / 仕上げ: Unglazed（無釉）

Description / 説明

A substantial vintage artisan-made Japanese bonsai pot （日本手造り盆栽鉢） by the late Shozan 松山 – Watanabe Shozo 渡辺正三, from the historic ceramic centre of Tokoname 常滑市, Aichi Prefecture 愛知県.

This impressive 49.4cm rectangular pot（長方形鉢） displays strong classical proportions and a beautifully restrained architectural character.

The gently outward-flaring walls （外開き） rise towards a softly rounded projecting rim （外縁）, finished along its outer edge with a delicate raised border （口縁隆起線）. This refined detail gives definition to the upper silhouette while preserving the quiet simplicity and 渋み（shibumi） of the overall form.

The pot is supported by substantial recessed block-form feet（内込み角足）, carefully proportioned to the scale of the body and creating a strong, grounded stance with excellent 安定感（anteikan）.

The unglazed Tokoname clay （常滑無釉土） has a warm earthy-brown tone with a fine, subtly groggy texture. Natural tonal variation and mature 経年変化 have created attractive 土味（tsuchi-aji） and understated surface 景色, adding depth and character to the otherwise disciplined form.

The combination of the broad rectangular architecture, refined 外縁, strong 内込み角足 and warm unglazed clay creates an excellent sense of 均衡・調和・品格.

It is a fine expression of 用の美（yo-no-bi） — functional beauty achieved through proportion, material and craftsmanship.

The base incorporates a carefully arranged system of drainage and wiring holes（排水穴・針金穴）, providing effective drainage and secure anchoring of the tree.

The underside carries Shozan's hand-incised signature（松山 手彫り銘）, an especially attractive identifying feature of this pot.

Dimensions / 寸法

External Dimensions / 外寸: 49.4 × 47.5 × 11.5cm
Internal Dimensions / 内寸: 41.8 × 30.0 × 9.2cm

Condition / 状態: Excellent（非常に良好）

Free Shipping to UK Mainland / 英国本土送料無料

About the Potter / 作家について

The late Shozan 松山 – Watanabe Shozo 渡辺正三 was a respected Tokoname bonsai-pot maker associated particularly with traditional unglazed bonsai containers （無釉盆栽鉢） and substantial large-format works.

His pottery is characterised by disciplined proportions, strong yet understated forms, carefully finished clay surfaces and a deep appreciation for 用の美 — the Japanese concept of beauty arising naturally through function and craftsmanship.

Shozan also occupies an important position within the Watanabe pottery lineage as the father and teacher of Ikko 一洸 – Watanabe Kazuhiro 渡邉一弘, who subsequently became a highly regarded Tokoname bonsai-pot artist.

Shozan's surviving pots represent an earlier generation of the Watanabe family's contribution to Tokoname bonsai ceramics（常滑盆栽鉢）.

Collector's Note / コレクターズノート

At 49.4cm, this is a substantial large-format work by the late Shozan 松山, combining strong 長方形鉢 proportions, gently 外開き walls, a refined 外縁・口縁隆起線, substantial 内込み角足, and warm 常滑無釉土.

Of particular collector interest is the hand-incised Shozan signature（松山 手彫り銘）, giving the pot an additional element of individuality and craftsmanship.

Its combination of 土味・渋み・品格・安定感 makes this an impressive vintage Tokoname container for a substantial mature conifer or deciduous bonsai.