YAMAAKI (山秋窯) 3rd Generation Kataoka Toshio (片岡俊夫 作) - 小松泉 - 常滑 - 33.7cm Oval Light Blue Glazed 楕円 淡青釉

YAMAAKI 山秋 – 3rd Generation (Kataoka Toshio 山秋三代 片岡俊雄) – 常滑 – 33.7cm Oval Light Blue Glazed 楕円 淡青釉

Product Details:
Region: Tokoname 常滑市
Kiln: YAMAAKI 山秋窯
Potter: 3rd Generation Kataoka Toshio 山秋三代 片岡俊雄
Handmade Japanese bonsai pot, oval, finished in a beautiful Light Blue glaze (淡青釉).

A vintage artisan-made Japanese bonsai pot by 3rd Generation Yamaaki, Kataoka Toshio (山秋三代 片岡俊雄), produced in Tokoname (常滑), one of Japan's most celebrated centres for bonsai ceramics. This elegant Oval bonsai pot (楕円鉢) exemplifies the refined craftsmanship and balanced proportions that have made the Yamaaki kiln highly respected among collectors and bonsai enthusiasts worldwide.

The pot features an almost imperceptible internal rim (内縁) that flows naturally into straight, gently tapering walls, creating a clean, uninterrupted silhouette of exceptional balance (調和). The body is intentionally free from decorative bands, allowing the purity of the form to become the defining feature. The beautiful Light Blue glaze (淡青釉) displays soft tonal variation across the surface with a gentle satin lustre, creating a calm and understated elegance that perfectly embodies the Japanese aesthetic of shibui (渋い). The subtle contrast between the glaze and the exposed Tokoname clay around the underside further enhances its refined character.

The pot is supported by four integrated cut feet (切足) that follow the natural curve of the oval body. Although fully integrated into the design, the generous thickness of the glaze creates the subtle visual impression of slightly recessed feet, giving the vessel an elegant lightness while maintaining excellent stability. The underside bears both the impressed Yamaaki kiln seal (山秋印) and the original hand-incised signature (爪描き) of 3rd Generation Kataoka Toshio, confirming its authenticity as a handmade work by the Kataoka family workshop. Three generously sized drainage holes together with four neatly positioned wiring holes (水抜き穴・針金穴) provide excellent functionality while reflecting the practical excellence and precision associated with Yamaaki bonsai pottery.

External dimensions: 33.7 × 27.6 × 5.2 cm

Internal dimensions: 30.9 × 24.8 × 4.2 cm

Condition: Excellent! There is some light watermarking to the glaze, which disappears with a light application of bonsai oil, as shown.

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About the Potter – YAMAAKI 山秋 (3rd Generation Kataoka Toshio 片岡俊雄)

The Yamaaki Kiln (山秋窯) was founded by Kataoka Akitsugu (片岡秋次) and remained one of Tokoname's most respected bonsai pottery workshops through three generations of the Kataoka family before production ceased in 2011. Widely regarded as the most prolific bonsai pottery kiln in Tokoname, Yamaaki successfully combined traditional craftsmanship with highly refined gas-fired production techniques, producing ceramics admired for their exceptional clay quality, elegant forms, and glazes inspired by the classical wares of ancient China.

3rd Generation Kataoka Toshio (片岡俊雄) continued this proud tradition, producing both mould-made and individually hand-finished bonsai pots. Examples bearing his original hand-incised signature (爪描き) together with the impressed Yamaaki seal are particularly sought after, as they represent pieces personally finished by the Kataoka family rather than standard production examples.

Collector's Notes / コレクターズノート

Handmade Yamaaki bonsai pots bearing both the impressed kiln seal (山秋印) and the original hand-incised signature (爪描き) of 3rd Generation Kataoka Toshio are becoming increasingly desirable among collectors. They represent the finest quality produced by one of Tokoname's most influential bonsai pottery workshops.

This example perfectly demonstrates the understated elegance for which Yamaaki became renowned. The beautifully balanced Oval form (楕円鉢), refined Light Blue glaze (淡青釉), clean uninterrupted profile, integrated cut feet (切足), and harmonious proportions (均整) create a timeless bonsai container that complements rather than competes with the tree. Combining exceptional craftsmanship, practical functionality, and the quiet beauty of shibui (渋い), this is an outstanding example of late Yamaaki production and an excellent addition to any serious collection of Tokoname-yaki (常滑焼) bonsai ceramics.