Description
This impressive Dai-sized unglazed rectangular bonsai pot is the work of Gyozan Nakano — one of Japan’s most celebrated living masters of unglazed bonsai pottery. With its refined surface, powerful proportions, and subtle patina, this pot is an ideal match for large, mature bonsai trees, particularly pines, junipers, and deciduous trees with bold nebari.
Entirely handmade using slab and coil methods, the pot’s rectangular form is solid yet elegant, with perfectly balanced walls and crisp lines. The high-fired unglazed surface will continue to develop character over time, acquiring a natural patina that enhances the presence of both pot and tree.
Features:
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Artisan: Gyozan Nakano
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Design: Unglazed rectangular bonsai pot
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Size: Dai (large bonsai)
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Origin: Japan
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Finish: Natural unglazed clay with fine texture
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Shape: Classic rectangle with strong lines and functional depth
Measurements:
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Outer (l x w x h): 47,5×33,5×10,0cm
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Inner (l x w x h): 42,0×27,5×7,0cm
About Gyozan Nakano:
Gyozan Nakano, born in 1940, celebrated his 50th anniversary as a ceramic artist in 2020. Hailed in Japanese bonsai magazines as “a leader in Japan’s bonsai pot world” and “a pioneer in the field of unglazed pots,” Gyozan is one of Japan’s most respected bonsai potters.
He apprenticed under the famous Keizan before establishing his own workshop in 1972. Gyozan specializes in unglazed pots and produces a full range of sizes — from small shohin pots to large exhibition-scale containers like this one. Around 1976, he developed his signature clay color, Akebono (“Dawn”), through years of research into firing techniques and clay refinement.
Though he originally used molds, Gyozan now makes all his pots by hand, using slab and coil construction. His work is prized for its texture, balance, and its ability to enhance the visual strength of bonsai trees. Each pot develops an antique patina with use, a feature highly appreciated by bonsai professionals. His pieces are regularly featured at the Kokufu Bonsai Exhibition, Japan’s most prestigious bonsai show.
