Banko Shunzan was born in 1936 in Yokkaichi, Mie prefecture. His first name is Sasaoka Hajime and Banko Shunzan is the name he uses as a potter. Banko Shunzan started making bonsai pots in 1967. He specialized in mame and shohin pots. Despite more than half a century in ceramics, its production numbers are quite limited as each piece is made entirely by hand, most by one-piece kurinuki carving. In addition, he makes glazes with beautiful colors.