Hand made and painted Japanese bonsai pot by Toho. Rectangle with slight internal rim, cut feet, Go-sai (5 colour) paintings to all sides and top, painted signature of Toho underneath.
External dimensions:
120 x 87 x 56mm (4¾ x 3⅜ x 2¼ in)
Internal dimensions:
1104 x 70 x 36mm (4⅛ x 2¾ x 1⅜ 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.
One of eight paintings by the woodcut artist Hiroshige from the series "Eight Views of the Sights of Edo", this one is called "Evening Snow on Asuka Hill". The series was commisioned by a poetry group, hence the verse on the reverse of the pot.
The original print had three verses of poetry, this pot has been based on a later version which just had the one verse.
One poem by Gantantei:
"Snow falling on Asuka Hill
Is as fine as goose feathers
This evening."
Another, slightly tongue in cheek (The signs are the yellow posts in the snow):
"The snow falling heavily in the dusk not only covers up signs
that warn against breaking branches of the cherry trees on Asuka Hill,
but breaks down the branches, as well."
Sources: Library of Congress and Cleveland Museum of Art
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:
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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.
