YAMAAKI (山秋窯) 3rd Generation Kataoka Toshio (片岡俊夫 作) - 小松泉 - 常滑 - 53cm Round Lotus (蓮華鉢) Unglazed 無釉

YAMAAKI (山秋窯) 3rd Generation Kataoka Toshio (片岡俊夫 作) – Koshosen (小松泉) – 常滑 Tokoname – 53cm Round Lotus (蓮華鉢) Unglazed 無釉

Product Details:
Region: Tokoname (常滑市), Aichi Prefecture, Japan
Kiln: Yamaaki Kiln (山秋窯)
Artist: 3rd Generation Kataoka Toshio (三代目 片岡俊夫) – Artist Name Koshosen (小松泉)
Handmade Bonsai Pot – Round Lotus Form (蓮華鉢) – Unglazed 無釉

Description:

A superb handmade bonsai pot by 3rd Generation Yamaaki potter Kataoka Toshio (三代目 片岡俊夫), working under the artist name Koshosen (小松泉). Crafted in the famous Yamaaki Kiln (山秋窯) of Tokoname, this impressive round lotus-form bonsai container (蓮華鉢) embodies the classical elegance and exceptional craftsmanship for which the Kataoka family became renowned.

The pot displays a beautifully proportioned circular form with gently curving walls rising from a substantial foot ring towards a refined lotus rim (蓮華縁). The softly articulated lotus petals around the perimeter create movement and visual interest whilst maintaining an understated and distinctly shibui (渋い) character. The balanced proportions allow the form to feel powerful without becoming heavy, making it particularly suitable for exhibition-quality bonsai.

The unglazed clay body (無釉) displays the warm chocolate-brown tones and subtle colour variation that have made Yamaaki containers highly sought after by collectors and bonsai enthusiasts worldwide. The gas-fired Tokoname clay exhibits fine mineral character throughout the surface, producing a rich and natural appearance reminiscent of the finest classical Chinese bonsai containers. Over time the clay has developed an attractive natural patina (古色), enhancing both depth and character.

A broad projecting rim frames the planting area beautifully, whilst the gently rounded body transitions seamlessly into the lower section of the container. The overall design demonstrates the restrained refinement characteristic of the finest Yamaaki work, where every element serves the harmony between tree and container.

The pot stands upon a continuous circular foot ring incorporating a series of recessed arch-form openings. This elegant foot construction provides excellent stability whilst visually lightening the substantial form of the container. The careful execution of these recessed openings contributes to the refined architectural balance of the piece and complements the flowing lotus profile above.

The interior is fitted with a central drainage hole (水抜き穴) together with four combination drainage and wiring holes (水抜き兼針金穴), providing excellent drainage and secure anchoring of bonsai material. This practical arrangement makes the container equally suitable for long-term cultivation and exhibition use.

The underside bears both the impressed Yamaaki kiln seal (山秋窯印) and the hand-carved signature (爪描き) of Kataoka Toshio, confirming the pot as a handmade work by the Kataoka family rather than a standard production example. Hand-signed Yamaaki pots are considerably less common and are highly regarded amongst collectors.

This is an exceptional collector-quality Yamaaki bonsai pot, combining elegant lotus form, superb Tokoname clay, and the craftsmanship of one of the most respected bonsai pottery families in modern Japan.

Max External dimensions: 53.0 x 14.6cm

Internal dimensions: 44.0 x 42.0 x 10.5cm

Condition:

Excellent condition. There is a very small and unobtrusive chip beneath the underside of the rim, which is not visible during normal display. Some watermarking is present but disappears with a light application of oil, as shown.

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About Yamaaki Kiln (山秋窯)

Yamaaki Kiln was founded by Kataoka Akitsuga and operated through three generations of the Kataoka family until the kiln finally ceased production in 2011. Widely regarded as the most prolific bonsai pottery kiln in Tokoname, Yamaaki produced an enormous range of containers for both domestic Japanese and international bonsai markets.

The kiln became particularly respected for its gas-fired Tokoname clay bodies, capable of producing rich natural colours and textures reminiscent of the finest antique Chinese bonsai pots. While many production Yamaaki pots survive today, examples bearing hand-carved signatures (爪描き) by members of the Kataoka family are significantly scarcer and more desirable amongst collectors.

Third-generation potter Kataoka Toshio (片岡俊夫), working under the artist name Koshosen (小松泉), continued the family's tradition of producing functional yet highly refined bonsai containers, combining classical proportions, excellent clay quality, and enduring horticultural practicality.