YAMAFUSA 4th Generation (YAMAFUSA KOIE 山房鯉江 aka SAMBO) – 常滑 – 46.8cm Oval Cream Glazed 楕円 クリーム釉
Product Details:
Region: Tokoname 常滑市
Kiln: KOIE Ceramics 山房鯉江製陶所
Potter: 4th Generation YAMAFUSA KOIE 山房鯉江 (aka SAMBO)
A finely handcrafted Japanese bonsai pot by 4th Generation Yamafusa Koie (山房鯉江), produced in the renowned Tokoname kiln region (常滑焼), one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns (日本六古窯). This elegant oval bonsai pot embodies the contemporary Tokoname philosophy of combining traditional craftsmanship with refined functionality for serious bonsai cultivation.
The pot features an almost imperceptible internal rim (内縁) that blends seamlessly into the broad, shallow oval form, giving the vessel a clean and uninterrupted profile. Around the body is a subtle mid-band (中帯) that gently defines the transition between the upper and lower sections without interrupting the pot's elegant simplicity. The exterior is finished in a warm cream glaze (クリーム釉) with delicate tonal variation and a soft satin surface that beautifully complements both deciduous and evergreen bonsai, expressing a refined sense of shibui (渋い), harmony (調和 chowa), and understated Japanese elegance.
The pot stands on four integrated cut feet (切足) that follow the natural curve of the oval body, creating a light visual presence while maintaining excellent stability. The base bears the finely hand-incised tsume-egaki signature (爪描き) of Yamafusa (山房), confirming its authenticity and individual craftsmanship. Four drainage holes together with four neatly positioned wiring holes (水抜き穴・針金穴) provide excellent functionality for cultivation while reflecting the precision and quality associated with modern Tokoname ceramics.
External dimensions: 46.8 × 34.8 × 6.0cm
Internal dimensions: 43.8 × 31.9 × 4.1cm
Condition: Excellent overall. There is a small, approximately 3mm chip on one of the integrated feet, which is minor, does not affect the pot's structural integrity or functionality, and is barely noticeable when displayed.
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Collector's Note / コレクターズノート
Yamafusa Koie (山房鯉江) is the fourth-generation successor of the historic Koie Ceramics Factory (山房鯉江製陶所), a Tokoname kiln with a heritage spanning well over one hundred years. Continuing the family tradition, Yamafusa combines established Tokoname techniques with modern precision, producing bonsai containers that are equally admired for their horticultural practicality and refined aesthetics.
Working closely with professional bonsai artists and enthusiasts, he strives to create pots that enhance the individual character and worldview (世界観) of each bonsai composition. His work is recognised for exceptional moulding precision, harmonious proportions, carefully controlled glaze finishes (釉調), and dependable construction. Today, Yamafusa's ceramics are highly respected among collectors and practitioners alike, representing the continuing evolution of Tokoname-yaki (常滑焼) while remaining firmly rooted in the traditions that have made Tokoname one of the world's foremost centres for bonsai pottery.
