YAMAFUSA 4th Gen (YAMAFUSA KOIE 山房鯉江 / SAMBO 三方) – 常滑 – 16.1cm Rectangular 長方形盆栽鉢

YAMAFUSA (YAMAFUSA KOIE 山房鯉江) Rectangular 長方形 Glazed 釉薬鉢 Tokoname clay 常滑土 Deep cobalt blue 濃藍色 瑠璃釉

Product Details:

Region: Tokoname City 常滑市
Kiln: KOIE 山房鯉江製陶所
Potter: Fourth Generation YAMAFUSA KOIE 四代目 山房鯉江 (SAMBO)

Description:

This is a vintage artisan-made Japanese bonsai pot from Tokoname 常滑焼, produced by Yamafusa Koie 山房鯉江, fourth generation potter of the historic Koie kiln. The pot is rectangular in form 長方形, presenting a strong, composed silhouette that reflects the functional clarity and restrained aesthetics characteristic of high-quality Tokoname bonsai ceramics.

The rim is constructed with a clearly defined inner ring 内縁, stepped inward from the outer lip. This inner ring is a true structural feature, providing visual depth and reinforcing a powerful sense of containment and balance. The lip transitions cleanly into the body, contributing to a calm but authoritative presence suitable for refined bonsai compositions.

The body incorporates a true and physically articulated midband 胴帯, not a simple change in glaze tone but a deliberate structural band encircling the vessel. This midband strengthens the proportions, introduces horizontal rhythm, and creates visual stability and weight. The band works in harmony with the rectangular geometry, enhancing symmetry and grounding the overall form.

The surface is finished in a deep cobalt blue glaze 濃藍色 瑠璃釉, rich and lustrous, with subtle pooling at the rim, band, and corners. The glaze shows natural variation and depth of colour, while decades of age have produced a refined natural patina 経年変化, adding complexity without obscuring form. The contrast between the glazed body and the exposed Tokoname clay 常滑土 on the base highlights both material quality and firing character.

The feet are neatly cut and slightly inset 切足, providing elevation while maintaining visual restraint and structural integrity. The underside is carefully finished and fully functional, featuring two generous drainage holes 排水穴 and additional wiring holes 針金穴, ensuring secure tie-down and excellent horticultural performance. The base bears the kiln mark confirming authorship and workshop origin.

Overall, the combination of the inner ring 内縁, structural midband 胴帯, and balanced rectangular proportions creates a strong sense of stability and calm authority 安定感. This pot is particularly well suited to refined deciduous bonsai, formal upright compositions, and trees that benefit from a powerful yet understated container with depth of colour and architectural clarity.

External dimensions: 16.1 × 13.8 × 4.7 cm
Internal dimensions: 14.7 × 12.0 × 3.3 cm

Condition: Excellent.

Free shipping with this pot UK Mainland.

Mr. Yamafusa is the fourth generation of the Koie Ceramics kiln 山房鯉江製陶所, a workshop with a history of more than one hundred years. He continues the tradition established by his grandfather, producing a wide variety of bonsai pots while focusing on vessels that can endlessly enhance and support the bonsai worldview 世界観 expressed by each individual composition.