24605: Shouzan (Tokoname) - Unglazed Nanban - 17⅜ in (44 cm)

Informal information:

Hand made nanban from Shouzan (father of Ikkou) of Tokoname. Shouzans highest quality hand made works are signed as this example is. These handmade pieces have been commanding higher prices in Japan lately.

A huge pot, suitable for a 3-4ft tall tree, possibly more. It's a lot deeper than the usual nanban, a fact that has been disguised by making the folded over rim reach down almost halfway, a kind of optical illusion making it look shallower. Clever stuff.

Traditional methods have been used to sculpt the clay - it's been patted and scraped on the lower half, and hand smoothed on the rim, giving different textural effects.

Regarding the seals, the seal and signature on the left are Shouzan, the one on the right is (I believe) of someone who commissioned the pot.

Condition: Used, patina, one small chip, see pic, excellent.

Mr. Watanabe Masami (Shouzan), born 1939. He joined his fathers pottery at 15, and over the years worked as a craftsman at various potteries. In 1977 he set up Kaneshou Shouzan, and began manufacturing bonsai pots. His main method is press moulding, but also used hand building methods. Almost completely specialised in unglazed work, he researched clays and firing methods, and his popularity rose as he achieved a look close to ancient Furuwa Chinese wares. His larger, heavy pots are especially esteemed for Pine and Oak bonsai. Husband to Fusyu / Tomifune and father to Ikkou - a legendary family of potters.