{"product_id":"yamafusas-wife","title":"Yamafusa’s Wife (Hōshū Otorifune 宝舟) – 常滑 – 40.9cm Rectangular Green-Glazed Bonsai Pot","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"489\" data-start=\"348\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"367\" data-start=\"348\"\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"370\" data-start=\"367\"\u003eRegion: Tokoname 常滑市\u003cbr data-end=\"393\" data-start=\"390\"\u003eKiln \/ Workshop: Yamafusa Kiln 山房（KOIE 山房鯉江製陶所）\u003cbr data-end=\"443\" data-start=\"440\"\u003ePotter: Yamafusa’s Wife – Hōshū Otorifune 宝舟\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"807\" data-start=\"491\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"506\" data-start=\"491\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"509\" data-start=\"506\"\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1236\" data-start=\"809\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1667\" data-start=\"1238\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1752\" data-start=\"1669\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1690\" data-start=\"1669\"\u003eSignatures (銘・窯名)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1693\" data-start=\"1690\"\u003eThe underside bears two distinct incised inscriptions (刻銘):\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1966\" data-start=\"1754\"\u003e• Artist’s signature: \u003cstrong data-end=\"1792\" data-start=\"1776\"\u003e「宝舟」 (Hōshū)\u003c\/strong\u003e — the personal mei of Yamafusa’s Wife, incised vertically by hand.\u003cbr data-end=\"1862\" data-start=\"1859\"\u003e• Kiln \/ workshop mark: \u003cstrong data-end=\"1905\" data-start=\"1886\"\u003e「山房」 (Yamafusa)\u003c\/strong\u003e — indicating production within the Yamafusa \/ KOIE workshop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2058\" data-start=\"1968\"\u003eThe presence of both marks is a strong indicator of authenticity and workshop attribution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2108\" data-start=\"2060\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2083\" data-start=\"2060\"\u003eExternal Dimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2086\" data-start=\"2083\"\u003e40.9 × 30.6 × 9.2 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2158\" data-start=\"2110\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2133\" data-start=\"2110\"\u003eInternal Dimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2136\" data-start=\"2133\"\u003e36.7 × 26.3 × 6.9 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2331\" data-start=\"2160\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2173\" data-start=\"2160\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2176\" data-start=\"2173\"\u003eExcellent condition. No cracks, repairs, or structural issues. Light surface wear and patina are consistent with age and add to the character of the piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2381\" data-start=\"2333\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2345\" data-start=\"2333\"\u003eShipping\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2348\" data-start=\"2345\"\u003eFree shipping within UK Mainland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2381\" data-start=\"2333\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2440\" data-start=\"2388\"\u003eBiography — Yamafusa’s Wife (Hōshū Otorifune 宝舟)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2733\" data-start=\"2442\"\u003eHōshū 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 \u003cem data-end=\"2648\" data-start=\"2631\"\u003eYamafusa’s Wife\u003c\/em\u003e, her work represents a quiet yet important contribution to Tokoname bonsai ceramics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3144\" data-start=\"2735\"\u003eHer 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 \u003cem data-end=\"3061\" data-start=\"3050\"\u003ewabi-sabi\u003c\/em\u003e (侘寂), where beauty emerges through simplicity, restraint, and the passage of time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3539\" data-start=\"3146\"\u003eToday, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sugi Bonsai","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56190432379211,"sku":"@pS74 j1185498845   92","price":163.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0945\/4259\/4379\/files\/IMG_8463.jpg?v=1766939710","url":"https:\/\/sugibonsai.com\/products\/yamafusas-wife","provider":"Sugi Bonsai","version":"1.0","type":"link"}