Bonsai Pot Blog: (Tokoname Potter) Kouyou

Real Name: Aiba Kouichirou
Born in Showa 19 (1944), July 26.

Signatures and chops

In Showa 45 (1970), he opened his first kiln known as "the garden pottery" Kouyou", subsequently, in Showa 47 (1972) he was
presented with an award in the technical section and design during the first organization of the price * Chuza, and he has also won, among other awards, in Showa 56 (1981) the encouragement award at the first competition design, showing that his activity is not focused solely around a bonsai pots but on pottery in general.

He is mainly known for small bonsai pots and basins, but his art is also recognized for the enamel work which is very extraordinary.
Recently, he built a furnace, like those at the beginning of bonsai pot production, used in combination with wood and oil, and is researching the change in the kiln of clay pottery and Shudei ,Udei.
He says his dream in the future, is that he can appear in exhibitions of Suiseki Suibans in old German castles.

At this time Kouyou is regarded as one of the top artist producing bonsai pots in the Tokoname region. His unique glazes and attention to detail sets him apart from some of the other potters. Although at this time he is a prolific producer of pots as time progresses we feel that the value of his pots will increase dramatically as production slows.