YAMAFUSA 4th Gen (YAMAFUSA KOIE 山房鯉江 aka SAMBO) – 常滑 – 24.9cm Rectangular
Product Details:
Region: Tokoname 常滑市
Kiln: KOIE 山房鯉江製陶所
Potter: 4th Generation YAMAFUSA KOIE 山房鯉江 aka SAMBO
Description:
A refined artisan-made Japanese bonsai pot by the 4th generation Yamafusa Koie (山房鯉江), produced in Tokoname (常滑), one of Japan’s most important bonsai pottery centers. This rectangular pot presents a confident yet elegant profile, defined by a subtly flared rim (縁・fuchi) that enhances the visual weight and creates a strong sense of balance and stability. The clearly articulated inner lip adds depth and structural presence to the form.
The exterior is finished in a rich, matte blue glaze with soft tonal variation, contrasting beautifully with the warm, sandy-toned unglazed Tokoname clay (土味・tsuchi-aji) of the interior and base. The pot is supported by stepped, sharply incised feet (段足・dan-ashi), proportioned to lift the vessel while maintaining a grounded, architectural feel. A low incised basal band (高台周り・kōdai-mawari) subtly reinforces the form and contributes to the overall harmony.
The interior shows a traditional, lightly groggy Tokoname clay body (シャモット入り・shamotto-iri), aiding drainage and root health. The base is fitted with two generously sized drainage holes (排水孔・haisui-kō) and multiple wiring holes (針金穴・harigane-ana), making the pot fully functional and ready for use.
Seal:
The underside bears a clearly impressed square kiln seal reading 「山房鯉江」 (Yamafusa Koie), executed in stylised seal script (篆書・tensho). This well-defined chop is characteristic of 4th generation Yamafusa Koie / Sambo production and firmly confirms both kiln and lineage.
External dimensions: 24.9 × 17.2 × 9.5 cm
Internal dimensions: 21.0 × 13.4 × 7.5 cm
Condition: Excellent condition.
Free shipping included within UK Mainland.
Mr. Yamafusa is the fourth generation of the Koie Ceramics kiln that has a history of more than 100 years.
He feels that his mission is to maintain the history and tradition of producing a variety of pots since his grandfather's generation and continues to make pots.
What he values is to make pots that can bring out the worldview created by bonsai works indefinitely.
Here's a more detailed look at Yamafusa and Tokoname bonsai pots:
· Koie Ceramics Factory:
The Koie family has been crafting ceramics for over a century, with Yamafusa being the fourth generation to continue this legacy.
· Molding Expertise:
Yamafusa is recognized for its expertise in molding techniques, allowing for the creation of stable and consistent pots, suitable for both individual pieces and larger-scale production.
· Focus on Functionality and Aesthetics:
Yamafusa's pots are designed to be both visually appealing and practical for growing bonsai, with a focus on bringing out the "bonsai worldview".
· Collaboration:
Yamafusa actively works with bonsai artists and enthusiasts, seeking input and collaboration to create pots that meet the specific needs and preferences of the bonsai community.
· Tokoname Tradition:
The pots are rooted in the Tokoname tradition, which is a renowned area in Japan for producing bonsai pots.
This video provides an overview of bonsai, including its Japanese origins and cultural significance:
