Yamafusa’s Wife (Hōshū Otorifune 宝舟) – 常滑 – 40.9cm Rectangular Green-Glazed Bonsai Pot

Product Details
Region: Tokoname 常滑市
Kiln / Workshop: Yamafusa Kiln 山房（KOIE 山房鯉江製陶所）
Potter: Yamafusa’s Wife – Hōshū Otorifune 宝舟

Description
A refined, vintage Japanese bonsai pot (日本製盆栽鉢) originating from Tokoname, one of Japan’s most important ceramic centres. This rectangular pot (長方形鉢) displays calm, confident proportions with softly rounded corners and a neatly defined internal rim (内縁), giving the form both strength and elegance.

The pot stands on carefully cut feet (切足), subtly incised and well balanced, contributing to an excellent sense of stability (安定感). It is finished in a gentle green glaze (緑釉), characterised by fine kiln texture and natural surface variation, typical of high-quality Tokoname work. Over time, the glaze has developed a rich, attractive patina (経年変化), enhancing depth and warmth while reinforcing the pot’s age and authenticity.

The overall presence is composed and dignified, creating a strong yet harmonious visual balance (調和の取れた姿). This pot is particularly well suited to mature deciduous trees or classical conifer compositions, where restraint and proportion are essential. The unglazed base reveals well-fired Tokoname clay and is fitted with generously spaced drainage and wiring holes (排水穴・針金穴), combining practical function with traditional design.

Signatures (銘・窯名)
The underside bears two distinct incised inscriptions (刻銘):

• Artist’s signature: 「宝舟」 (Hōshū) — the personal mei of Yamafusa’s Wife, incised vertically by hand.
• Kiln / workshop mark: 「山房」 (Yamafusa) — indicating production within the Yamafusa / KOIE workshop.

The presence of both marks is a strong indicator of authenticity and workshop attribution.

External Dimensions
40.9 × 30.6 × 9.2 cm

Internal Dimensions
36.7 × 26.3 × 6.9 cm

Condition
Excellent condition. No cracks, repairs, or structural issues. Light surface wear and patina are consistent with age and add to the character of the piece.

Shipping
Free shipping within UK Mainland.

Biography — Yamafusa’s Wife (Hōshū Otorifune 宝舟)

Hōshū Otorifune was a Tokoname potter associated with the Yamafusa (山房) workshop, working during a period when female ceramic artists were rarely credited independently. Known primarily as Yamafusa’s Wife, her work represents a quiet yet important contribution to Tokoname bonsai ceramics.

Her pots are characterised by refined forms, balanced proportions, and understated glazing. Rather than relying on bold colours or dramatic surfaces, Hōshū favoured subtle, natural finishes designed to age gracefully alongside the trees they supported. This approach reflects core Japanese aesthetic values such as wabi-sabi (侘寂), where beauty emerges through simplicity, restraint, and the passage of time.

Today, pots bearing the incised mei 「宝舟」 are increasingly appreciated by collectors for their rarity, historical context, and gentle elegance. Works that also retain the Yamafusa workshop mark further strengthen their provenance, making them desirable examples of mid-period Tokoname bonsai pottery and a meaningful testament to the often-overlooked role of women in Japan’s ceramic tradition.