Yoshimura Shuho 吉村秀峰 – 常滑市 – 47.2 cm Rectangular 隅切長方形 – Glazed 釉薬鉢

Yoshimura Shuho 吉村秀峰 – 常滑市 Tokoname – 47.2cm Rectangular (隅切長方鉢) – Glazed 釉薬鉢

Product Details:
Name: Yoshimura Shuho (吉村秀峰)
Region: Tokoname 常滑市
Kiln: Tokoname-yaki 常滑焼
Potter: Yoshimura Shuho 吉村秀峰

Description:

An artisan-made Japanese bonsai pot by Yoshimura Shuho (吉村秀峰), produced in Tokoname, Japan. This elegant cut-corner rectangular bonsai pot (隅切長方鉢) is characterised by its refined corner treatment (隅切), which softens the geometry of the form whilst preserving a strong and balanced presence. The carefully resolved corners lighten the visual mass of the container and contribute to its harmonious proportions.

The walls rise with a gentle outward flare, leading to a clean, defined rim (口縁) that frames the planting area with clarity and balance. Beneath the rim, a subtle lip band (口縁帯) provides additional structure and visual refinement. The uninterrupted body emphasises the purity of the form and contributes to a powerful sense of stability and composure.

The pot is finished in a rich green glaze (緑釉), displaying attractive tonal variation, depth, and subtle movement across the surface. Areas of natural glaze thinning reveal hints of the underlying clay body, adding warmth and complexity to the finish. Over time, the glaze has matured beautifully, developing an appealing patina (景色) that enhances the character of the pot without overwhelming its elegant form.

The pot stands on finely sculpted cloud-form feet (雲足), recessed into the corners whilst projecting gracefully beyond the body. These feet are crisply executed with well-defined detailing, providing excellent stability and visual lift. Their placement reinforces the structural strength of the container and contributes to the refined balance of the overall composition.

The underside is carefully finished with well-positioned drainage and wiring holes (水抜き穴・針金穴), suitable for both exhibition and long-term cultivation. The base bears an incised vertical signature reading 「秀峰」 together with the potter's seal, confirming the work of Yoshimura Shuho.

This is a refined and confident Tokoname bonsai pot, ideally suited to deciduous trees, flowering species, or elegant evergreen compositions where form, glaze, and craftsmanship work quietly in support of the tree.

External dimensions: 47.2 × 33.7 × 9.5cm
Internal dimensions: 43.2 x 29.5 x 6.5cm

Condition: Excellent

Shipping: Free Shipping to UK Mainland

About the Potter – Yoshimura Shuho (吉村秀峰)

Yoshimura Shuho (吉村秀峰) is a Tokoname potter working within the modern Tokoname-yaki (常滑焼) bonsai tradition. His work is most commonly associated with the later Showa to early Heisei period, a time when Tokoname production emphasised well-balanced forms, durability, and practical excellence for bonsai cultivation and exhibition.

Shuho's pots are characterised by strong classical proportions, confident construction, and restrained refinement. He is particularly recognised for rectangular and oval forms, often incorporating gently flared walls, cut corners (隅切), and carefully resolved feet that provide both visual lift and physical stability. His approach prioritises harmony between pot and tree, avoiding unnecessary ornamentation whilst maintaining a clear sense of presence.

In glazed works, Shuho favoured natural, understated tones, most notably greens and earth-influenced glazes, applied in a manner that allows depth, tonal variation, and subtle glaze movement to develop across the surface. These finishes age gracefully, often acquiring a pleasing patina (景色) over time that enhances the character of the pot without distracting from the bonsai.

The incised signature 「秀峰」 found on the base of his pots is consistent with documented examples of his work and reflects a functional, workmanlike aesthetic rather than an exhibition-driven style. His pots were clearly made to be used seriously, combining reliability, balance, and timeless design.

While Yoshimura Shuho is not among the most heavily documented Tokoname masters, his work remains appreciated by collectors and practitioners who value honest craftsmanship, classical Tokoname sensibility, and containers designed to support the tree above all else.