Informal information:

An unusual and fascinating pot from Buzan (not Bunzan!). The shape appears designed to maximise the features of the glaze. The incised corners create more edges where the glaze breaks to a Tenmoku red, the flat sides exaggerate the effect of cooling in the kiln - the side that cooled slowest has crystallised, and on the opposite side it remains a very dark streaky blue. The glaze underneath shows some of the more typical Namako features. Cool pot!

Condition: Used, excellent.

Buzan - Shimono Buzan - He started out as a small bonsai enthusiast and began making small bowls. His first kiln was built in 1969. He then began selling and repairing bonsai pots wholesale. In the process of establishing his repair know-how, he learned a lot from old pots, and even for glazed pots, he sought out classic natural glazes and carefully selected clay bodies to match them, which led to the creation of Takeyama pots. He is a regular at the National Small Bowl Masterpiece Exhibition and has won numerous awards. In addition to lapis lazuli and copper glazes, he also makes mud pots. His initial pottery name was Nakata Takeyama, but on the occasion of his 15th anniversary in 1980, he adopted the name Shimotsuke Takeyama.