There are 3 potters in Japan whose work is considered the pinnacle of Japanese design and aesthetics in Bonsai pottery: Heian Tofukuji, Tsukinowa Yusen, and Heian Kouzan; also known as the “Big Three”. We’ve taken a look(or 3!) at the works of Tofukuji and Yusen, today we’ll look at the glazed and painted pots of Heian Kouzan.
Born April 28, 1905, Heian Kouzan comes from a long line of Seto potters going back more than 12 generations. By 1918, at the age of 13, he was already making an income with Bonsai and pottery. By 1948, at the age of 33, he was famous. He passed away in 1990.

Heian KouOu(Kouzan Senior)and Heian Kouzan(Jr.) at the second Gafu Ten exhibition, in 1978, where a special display was presented of Kouzan pots, I believe in celebration of the upcoming “Charisma” which was first published in 1979.

Kouzan’s work is known for…