Bonsai pot JTA8856 IZUMI-YA YAE

Izumi-Ya is one of the region's oldest kilns, dedicated to producing bonsai pots in Tokoname since the era of Matsushita Masuhisa—father of Matsushita Masuo (Zenigo). In its early days, the workshop crafted its pieces entirely by hand, upholding traditional local ceramic techniques. Matsushita Masuo—known in Europe as Zenigo—worked at the family kiln for decades, becoming a leading Tokoname ceramicist thanks to the quality and distinctive character of his pots. Following his passing, his wife, Yae, took over management of the kiln; she currently remains at the helm of Izumi-Ya, preserving the workshop's tradition and legacy. The term "Zenigo" appears to be an imprecise transliteration; "Senshirinsei" would be more accurate. Nevertheless, the name "Zenigo" has become widely adopted and popularized in Europe to refer to both Matsushita Masuo and his pots.