Suruga Yamasyou
Now deceased, Suruga Yamasyou (real name: Yamanashi Shoichi) is arguably Japan's finest ever and most revered maker of carved bonsai pots. He was born in Shizuoka city, Honshu Island, Japan in 1925 and made individual shohin sized pieces decorated with animals; often crabs, frogs, and dragons, carved in relief. His works are generally larger than the other formidable carver of small pots; Okatani Zeshin.
Production levels were low, and refinement and meticulous attention to finishing are a particular feature of Yamasyou's work, with smooth, highly burnished or lacquered finishes - the clay often having been polished to such a high degree, as to leave sumptous, almost leather-like finishes.  

Carved unglazed pots

D1883

Made from a highly burnished 'red mud', or shudei clay, this elaborate rectangle is decorated in fine detail with dragon rising with auspiciousness through the clouds. Additional use of white clay is highly effective at highlighting areas.
The form is also suitably magnificent. The design is reminiscent of an old Chinese style container, with steep walls that blend seamlessly into the rim, delicate half cloud feet, a basal band carved in relief, and matching detail in the double incised corners.
A true masterpiece and the finest example of Yamasyou's work I have yet seen. Stamped and hand signed.
​15.5cm x 11cm x 6.3cm ​

D1790

A freeform 'off-oval' shaped pot made from Shudei clay, decorated subtly with two small yet detailed crabs carved in relief. 
This piece has simple strip cut feet and a
​highly burnished finish. 
​
Stamp reads 'Suruga Yamatadashi' 
15.6 x 10.7 x 2.4cm 

D1977

In a more vermillion shade of shudei is this highly refined handmade oval with mother and child crabs carved in relief. 
The pot is perfectly formed, with clean lines and curves and the detail of the pair of crabs is superb, including the subtle carved grassland background. 
The finish is highly polished and smooth to the touch. 
​ 
Stamped and hand signed Yamasyou Tsukurimas (Made by Yamasyou)
12 x 9.3 x 2.4cm 

D2222

A whimsical hand made oval carved with rows of rivets on both fronts, and a fun pair of puppies playing. 
With carved integrated foot void, and a burnished smooth finish. 

​13.4 x 9.5 x 2.4cm