Bigei
Bigei (Tokoname) Premium Shohin Oval - 6¼in (16cm)
Bigei (Tokoname) Premium Shohin Oval - 6¼in (16cm)
Regular price
£180.00 GBP
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£180.00 GBP
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Formal description:
Hand made Japanese bonsai pot from the Bigei kiln of Tokoname. Oval with external rim with lip, basal band, cut feet. Temple seal and hand signed by Bigei underneath.
External dimensions:
160 x 125 x 40mm (6¼ x 5 x 1½ in)
Internal dimensions:
133 x 98 x 30mm (5¼ x 4 x 1¼in)
Informal information:
A hand made oval by Bigei. I am unsure of the significance of the temple seal, but my feeling is that he adopted it for his best work.
The clay looks like that used in Bigei's earlier work, less of the vermillion clay, or perhaps reduction fired. The pot is absolute top quality in terms of manufacture, it is thin and light, the burnishing is subtle.
The clay looks like that used in Bigei's earlier work, less of the vermillion clay, or perhaps reduction fired. The pot is absolute top quality in terms of manufacture, it is thin and light, the burnishing is subtle.
If you look at the inside of the rim there is a small internal edge before the joint with the side. When potted, the soil should finish just below this for the best appearance. In terms of making, this is all extra work and detailing from the potter, you only see it on his best pots.
Further notes: This pot design features in the Bonkei bonsai pot encyclopaedia which remarks:
"...although just a single band is added, it's position is unique. It has depth and even if you use a tree with power (fat trunk), you can maintain balance."
"...although just a single band is added, it's position is unique. It has depth and even if you use a tree with power (fat trunk), you can maintain balance."
Condition: Used, patina, exhibition quality.
Bigei, real name Hirata Ryomi - born 1935, started pottery in 1958 (aged 23), established his kiln Bigei (Beauty) in 1975 (aged 40), producing his immediately recognisable and popular bonsai pots. He produced highly burnished vermillion pots with a great lustre, also glazed work, nail carved drawings and under the Sansui name, painted pots.
To the best of my knowledge, Mr. Hirata is still alive, but due to advanced age rarely makes pots. There's a fabulous picture of him in the Bonsai pot encyclopaedia aged about 30 years old, wearing a serious expression and a French beret, which is how I like to think of him!
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Price:
I try to price competitively, reasonable offers are invited, if you've seen something similar and think I'm way off the mark, drop me a message.
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Returns:
I guarantee that the pot condition is as described and will take it back if you aren't happy with it. Items are returned at the buyers cost & risk. Please be aware that most UK couriers will NOT insure ceramic items, however it is certainly easier than returning overseas. Please get in touch if you want to return an item.
