Hand made and painted Japanese bonsai pot by Toho. Square cascade with slight internal mainly external rim, carved base, Go-sai (5 colour) paintings to all sides and top, painted signature of Toho underneath.
External dimensions:
75 x 75 x 86mm (3 x 3 x 3⅜ in)
Internal dimensions:
58 x 58 x 50mm (2⅜ x 2⅜ x 2in)
Informal information:
A lesser known artist, Toho made pots for the uber-popular Daisuke Sano, and has also developed his own style of painting that further breaks away from tradition! His paintings are often based on familiar subjects, but the treatment is graphic, bold and painterly, completely apart from the very traditional styles.
A superb and uniquely painted dragon wraps around this cascade pot, Toho really captures an idea of an ancient water dragon here. Did you know dragons originally painted in Japan had three claws, then later four, with five reserved for Imperial wares? Pair this with a bold semi-cascade flowering or fruiting tree and it'll look superb.
One aspect that is obvious when examining this (and actually most Toho pots I've seen recently) is that the construction can look a little sub-standard. Here, there are some kiln cracks, but I really don't think these are an issue. As can be seen, Toho has painted and glazed over these (the clue is the paint and overglaze in the cracks). My take on it is that this is how it is with Toho pots, if you want the art in your life, the pot can be a little off. I believe the pot is perfectly sound, but personally I wouldn't leave it on a bench all Winter! It just needs that little bit of looking after and it'll be fine.
Condition: Unused, excellent, kiln cracks, see photos and read description.
Toho - Shuji Shimada, former student of Daisuke Sano, details are limited but he has exhibited at the Gafu-Ten show since at least 2014. Works are handmade from porcelain or a porcelaneous clay, his speciality is painted works, I've only seen 'Go-sai' which are typically not limited to 5 colours! His style is modern and graphic rather than realistic, and whilst subjects are often traditional, they are rendered in new and unique ways with little repetition. Also paints classic series such as the 52 Stations of the Tokkaido Road. Surely a collectible artist of the future.
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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.
