YAMAAKI 3rd Generation (Kataoka Toshio) "爪描き"- 常滑- 31.5 Rectangular Unglazed Bonsai Pot 長方鉢 無釉

YAMAAKI 山秋 - 3rd Generation Kataoka Toshio 山秋三代 片岡俊雄 - 常滑 - 31.5cm Rectangular Unglazed Bonsai Pot 長方鉢 無釉

Product Details:

Region: Tokoname 常滑市
Kiln: Yamaaki 山秋
Potter: 3rd Generation Kataoka Toshio 山秋三代 片岡俊雄
Style: Handmade rectangular bonsai pot 手造り長方鉢
Finish: Unglazed 無釉

Description:

A vintage artisan-made Japanese bonsai pot by Yamaaki 山秋, made by 3rd Generation Kataoka Toshio 山秋三代 片岡俊雄 of Tokoname 常滑. This is a handmade rectangular unglazed bonsai pot 手造り長方無釉鉢 with a strong classical form, flared corners, and beautifully shaped cloud feet.

The pot has a powerful rectangular body 長方鉢 with softly rounded walls and well-defined flared corners 隅張り. The upper rim is broad and slightly flared, forming a strong projecting lip 口縁 that frames the planting area beautifully. The corners are finished with refinement, giving the pot a strong but restrained shibui balance 渋い調和.

The body has a smooth, gently rounded profile with a deep, practical planting space. The internal rim 内縁 and clean inner basin give the pot a well-constructed appearance, suitable for serious bonsai use as well as display. The overall form has a calm, masculine presence while still retaining elegance and balance.

The pot is raised on decorative cloud-shaped feet 雲形足 / 雲足, carefully formed into the corners. These feet give the pot lift, movement, and character while keeping the rectangular body visually stable. The cloud-shaped foot design adds refinement and a traditional Japanese decorative detail, creating a strong sense of balance and presence.

The clay has a rich dark brown tone with fine groggy texture 荒土調 and subtle natural speckling throughout the body. The unglazed surface 無釉肌 shows attractive depth and warmth, with a mature patina 時代感 developed through age and careful use. The surface has a quiet, refined character typical of quality Tokoname ware 常滑焼.

The base is neatly finished and includes drainage holes 水抜き穴 and wiring holes 針金穴 for secure bonsai training. The underside carries the Yamaaki mark 山秋印 together with the incised signature of 3rd Generation Kataoka Toshio 三代 片岡俊雄, confirming the attribution to the Yamaaki kiln.

A very attractive Tokoname bonsai pot with excellent proportions, strong handmade character, rich unglazed clay, flared corners, and decorative cloud-shaped feet. Its shibui balance 渋み, practical depth, and aged surface make it suitable for a refined bonsai composition as well as for collectors of Yamaaki ware 山秋鉢.

External dimensions: 31.5 x 24.5 x 12.5cm
Internal dimensions: 26.5 x 19.5 x 10.5cm

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Condition: Excellent! There is some watermarking, but it disappears with a light application of oil, as shown.