YAMAAKI 2nd Generation (Kataoka Sadamitsu 片岡貞光 / Koshosen 小松泉)
Product Details:
Region: Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, Japan 常滑市
Kiln: YAMAAKI 山秋窯
Potter: 2nd Generation Kataoka Sadamitsu 片岡貞光, kiln name Kōshōsen 小松泉
Description:
This rectangular unglazed Japanese bonsai pot was produced at the YAMAAKI kiln in Tokoname by second-generation potter Kataoka Sadamitsu (Kōshōsen). The form is composed with straight, slightly tapering walls and a calm, well-balanced presence characteristic of refined YAMAAKI work.
The rim is finished with a smooth, raised lip (口縁), with a narrow stepped band immediately below the rim (口縁の直下に細い一段を設けた造形). This refined upper detail establishes a clear horizontal line that enhances proportion and adds quiet architectural definition.
The lower section is defined by a continuous basal band (下帯) formed with a raised bordering edge that follows the exact profile of the feet. This raised border runs uninterrupted around the entire pot, clearly delineating the gap between the straight-cut feet and articulating the negative space beneath the body. The resulting shadow line is crisp and controlled, giving the pot strong visual grounding while maintaining clarity and balance.
（足の形状に沿って縁取り状に立ち上げられた下帯が鉢全周を巡り、足間の空間を明確に区切る造形）
The unglazed Tokoname clay shows a fine sandy texture throughout, fired to a soft, earthy tone that has developed a natural patina (景色 keshiki) through age and use. The interior is well proportioned and practical, fitted with neatly positioned drainage and wiring holes (水抜き穴・針金穴). The underside bears the impressed YAMAAKI kiln seal together with the potter’s mark, confirming its origin and attribution.
A restrained and structurally articulate bonsai pot, well suited to deciduous trees or refined conifers where proportion, balance, and disciplined detail are essential.
External Dimensions: 32.6 × 25.0 × 10.2 cm
Internal Dimensions: 28.0 × 20.5 × 8.4 cm
Condition: Excellent
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Yamaaki (山秋) is a well-established and highly respected family of bonsai pot makers from Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns (六古窯). Pots produced under the Yamaaki name are known for their functional clarity, restrained aesthetics, and long association with serious bonsai cultivation.
Sadamitsu Kataoka (片岡貞光), second-generation Yamaaki potter, graduated in Shōwa 36 (1961) from Tokoname High School’s ceramics program and subsequently joined the Yamaaki workshop, formally known as Yamaaki Seitōjo (山秋製陶所). There, he continued his training under the guidance of his father, Kataoka Akiji (片岡章司), who worked under the potter’s name Shōsen (松泉).
From Shōwa 60 (1985), Sadamitsu began using the potter’s seal Kōshōsen (小松泉), which he continues to use. Pots bearing this seal represent his mature work within the Yamaaki lineage.
While a large number of Yamaaki pots were produced for the commercial bonsai market, pieces bearing hand-carved (nail-incised) signatures were individually handmade by members of the Kataoka family. These pots are generally regarded as more desirable and valuable, reflecting a higher level of direct craftsmanship and personal involvement.
