In today’s post we will take a look at the carved pots of Suruga Yamasyou. Yamasyou is one of the most respected makers of carved pots in Japan, and his works fetch correspondingly high prices!
Born March 4, 1925, Yamasyou began full fledged production of bonsai pots in 1975. He is now deceased. He was a bonsai enthusiast for many years before beginning pottery. He is Known for excellent burnishing, lacquering, and finishing techniques, as well as carvings and small statues. Relief work consists primarily of Frog pots, but dragons and crabs are also abundant. Has influenced many modern potters, notably Masahi Furumoto.

What can be said about this pot!? Pictures pretty much say it all! Intricate, surreal carvings, fine finish to the rich red clay. Truly demonic!

Now for something completely different! A mellow crab pot with etched design. Crab pots typify the bulk of Yamasyou’s work. The finish to the unglazed clay of this pot is very fine.

Back to the demonic side of Yamasyou! This carved dragon pot is exquisite, but it’s hard to imagine a bonsai that could hold up to this!

Another carved dragon pot with intricately detailed carving. I especially like the work on the rim, which is rare for Yamasyou.

Another crab pot with an especially nice woven basket design.

Animal reliefs are another Yamasyou specialty, I think I’ve seen about every animal imaginable. Literally, Lions, Tigers, and bears.

A much less demonic dragon.

A small figure relief.

And last of all, the most demonic carving yet! I love the centering of the face, as if it’s coming toward the viewer, and I have a special fondness for quince shaped pots(if you couldn’t tell!)
I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing a few pots from master carver Suruga Yamasyou. Til next time!