Yohen 窯変 – 常滑市 – 31.3cm Rectangular Glazed 長方形 釉薬
Product Details:
Region: Tokoname 常滑市
Kiln: Yohen 窯変
Potter: Yohen 窯変
Handmade Japanese bonsai pot
A finely crafted vintage artisan-made Japanese bonsai pot finished in a rich, deep navy-blue Yohen glaze (窯変釉). The pot features a broad, softly rounded internal rim (内縁) with a substantial upper lip (口縁) that transitions into an elegant three-tiered upper band (三段帯). Rather than a simple double band, the profile is formed by two subtle recessed mouldings beneath the lip, creating a refined architectural rhythm and adding depth without overpowering the clean lines of the design.
The walls descend almost straight with only a very gentle inward taper toward the base, giving the pot a strong yet refined silhouette. The softly rounded corners (隅丸) enhance the elegant proportions while maintaining the classic rectangular form.
The pot stands on integrated recessed angled-cut feet (内向き斜め切足), carefully proportioned to provide both stability and a lighter visual appearance. The underside is cleanly finished and bears the impressed Yohen kiln seal (窯変印). It is fitted with two drainage holes (水抜き穴) and four wiring holes (針金穴), making it equally practical for exhibition-quality bonsai or long-term cultivation.
The rich cobalt-blue glaze displays exceptional depth and lustre, making this pot particularly well suited to deciduous bonsai (落葉樹), flowering species (花物), broadleaf evergreens (広葉樹) or refined conifer compositions, where the dark glaze provides a striking contrast while maintaining an elegant sense of shibui (渋い) balance.
External dimensions: 31.3 × 23.8 × 9.5 cm
Internal dimensions: 29.0 × 21.5 × 7.7 cm
Condition: Excellent!
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Biography
Yohen (窯変) was a Tokoname bonsai pottery kiln active during the period in which Tokoname established itself as Japan's foremost centre for bonsai ceramics. Although the kiln is now defunct (廃窯), very little documentary information survives regarding the individual potter or workshop lineage. Today, Yohen pots are appreciated by collectors for their refined forms, high-quality stoneware and beautifully executed glazes, particularly the deep blues, celadons and Oribe greens for which the kiln became known. Genuine Yohen examples remain increasingly sought after due to their rarity and the disappearance of the workshop
Collector's Notes
This example is an excellent representation of Yohen's craftsmanship. The refined three-tiered upper band, softly rounded rectangular form, integrated recessed angled-cut feet and beautifully executed deep navy-blue glaze demonstrate the kiln's attention to proportion and detail. Its generous planting area, practical drainage and wiring configuration, and understated elegance make it an exceptionally versatile exhibition-quality bonsai pot that will complement a wide range of tree species without distracting from the composition itself.
