YAMAAKI 山秋 – 3rd Generation (Kataoka Toshio) 山秋三代 片岡俊雄 – 常滑 – 24.2cm Square Yellow Glazed 黄釉角鉢（雲足)

YAMAAKI 山秋 – 3rd Generation (Kataoka Toshio 片岡俊雄・山秋三代) - 常滑 – Yellow Glazed Square Bonsai Pot / 黄釉角鉢（雲足）

Product Details

Region: Tokoname 常滑市
Kiln: YAMAAKI 山秋
Potter: 3rd Generation Kataoka Toshio 片岡俊雄

Description

A vintage, artisan-made Japanese bonsai pot by the Yamaaki kiln, produced in Tokoname during the third generation under Kataoka Toshio. This square (角鉢) form features a well-proportioned, slightly flared wall profile rising from a subtly stepped lower body, creating a powerful yet balanced silhouette. The rim is clean and straight with a gentle outward lip, lending visual stability and strength to the overall form.

The pot is finished in a warm yellow glaze (黄釉), characteristic of Yamaaki’s gas-fired production, intentionally echoing the colour palette and surface presence of classical Chinese containers. Over time, the glaze has developed gentle surface variation and natural watermarking, contributing to an understated patina that enhances its vintage character. The contrast between the glazed exterior and the unglazed, finely grogged Tokoname clay body (素地) on the interior and base highlights the kiln’s technical refinement.

The base is supported by four elegant cloud feet (雲足), softly modelled yet structurally confident, lifting the pot visually and physically while maintaining harmony with the square geometry. The lower basal area is cleanly defined, reinforcing the sense of balance and grounding. The pot is drilled with one central drainage hole and four corner wiring holes, providing excellent functionality for bonsai cultivation and secure tree placement.

Dimensions

External dimensions: 24.2 × 24.1 × 11.4 cm
Internal dimensions: 19.4 × 19.3 × 9.0 cm

Condition

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

Kiln & Historical Context

The Yamaaki kiln was founded by Kataoka Akitsuga and operated across three generations of the Kataoka family until it finally went cold in 2011. It was the most productive bonsai pot kiln in Tokoname, firing primarily with gas, a method that produced rich clay tones and glazes reminiscent of ancient Chinese wares. While many Yamaaki pots were produced in larger numbers, examples bearing nail-carved (釘彫り) signatures, such as this piece, were hand-made by the Kataoka family and are consequently more desirable and valuable.

Seal & Signature (Database Entry)

The base bears the impressed Yamaaki kiln seal 「山秋」, alongside a hand-carved signature consistent with third-generation Kataoka Toshio. This seal and signature should be added to the database as a verified Yamaaki, 3rd generation work.

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