Hand made and painted Japanese bonsai pot by Toho. Rectangle with slight internal rim, demon feet, Go-sai (5 colour) paintings to all sides and top, painted signature of Toho.
External dimensions:
130 x 90 x 65mm (5⅛ x 3½ x 2½ in)
Internal dimensions:
112 x 72 x 52mm (4½ x 2¾ x 2 in)
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.
The subjects however are traditional - a dragon and tigers, the main tiger appears ridiculously buff, but it does bear some relation to history; the Japanese were painting tigers well before they'd ever seen one. Nijo castle in Kyoto has immense paintings of similar tigers - the artists knew they were powerful creatures and painted from the stories they'd heard, so details could be outlandish!
Back to the pot, there is a little distortion to the shape, and the making on the inside, although sound does appear a bit messy, so it's important to call that out. However, the unique artwork surely compensates for this, and I would say pairing it with a larger leaved or fruiting tree will work very well and definitely turn heads in any show or collection.
Condition: Unused, excellent.
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.
