Echizen Hosui is relatively unknown potter here in the west, and deserves more recognition. He is an excellent painter, and his glazed pots deserve mention as well.
Born Zenzo Yoshida in 1936 in Fukui Prefecture, he began making Bonsai pottery under the name Echizen Hosui(越前芳水) in 1974. His work is varied, including painted pots, glazed and unglazed pots, and some interesting slabs and artificial stones.

A great 5 color painted rectangle in my collection. Bright colors and very nice brushwork make for a fantastic pot.

Another from my collection, a deep metallic green over white clay. There is a small kamakizu(kiln crack) at the right foot, but it’s beautiful despite this “flaw.”

Also in my collection, this is a good example of Hosui’s red painted pots. I really love the detail of the pine on the left and the mountain in the background. Good use of negative space also, with clear direction.

The last of my collection. This Hosui is early work, mid to late 1970s, and is a copy of a Tofukuji pot.

A great 5-color pot in clear homage to Tsukinowa Yusen, that I found for sale from Kinbon. I love the detail in this pot, and the shape is great.

A sometsuke round pot. Interesting brush work and detail to the stand of pines in the foreground.

A nice simple round with a boat, I like the rim detail and detail to the boat.

A 5-color window painted pot with very nice brushwork and details. Great use of perspective and depth, the river winds away into the background perfectly!

A glazed piece. I love the thick drips!

Two nice crackle glazed pieces.

A pair of hand formed slabs in imitation of famous Kurama stones.

I hope you’ve enjoyed the pots of Echizen Hosui. If you’re interested, two of the pots in today’s post are up on the For Sale page!