BIGEI 美芸 (Hirata Atsumi 平田あつみ) - 常滑– 4.9cm Demon Mame NOT for SALE!

I consider Bigei’s pots as collectables, as the only ones we can obtain are those in warehouses, some collectors' collections, and the ones that become available second-hand.

BIGEI, Tokoname. 4.9cm. Demon Mame, unglazed. 

Product Details: .
Region: Tokoname 常滑市
Kiln: BIGEI 美芸
Potter: Master and Founder BIGEI 美芸 (Hirata Atsumi 平田あつみ)

External measurements: 4.9 x 2.5cm

Bigei, whose real name is Hirata Atsumi, is a renowned Tokoname bonsai potter, known for his distinctive and popular bonsai pots, particularly his shaded vermilion (shudei) and glazed pieces. 
The last information we had from 2017 was that Bigei occasionally makes pots only for himself and some friends.

He was born in 1939 and began his pottery journey in 1958. He has kindly shared his story. And not as glamorous as some might tell:

Bigei is one of the few remaining who have lived throughout the whole period of the ”golden days” of bonsai pots in Tokoname. When he arrived at Tokoname in 1969, he was treated tough by the people in the trade. First of all, he came from out of town, and second, he didn’t come from a family of potters. His father was a carpenter. However, Bigei wanted to work with ceramics, so as a young man, he set off to Tokoname and received an apprenticeship at a large pottery, where he worked for food and shelter for four years without receiving any pay. But slowly, he worked his way up, and in 1976, he opened his own studio. He is today the only one who has worked his way, from nothing, to become a well-known potter by his own two hands.   Ref: https://www.holvilabonsaipot.com/single-post/2017/12/02/bigei 

Bigei is also known for his painted pots, produced under the Sansui name, which feature landscapes and other decorative elements. He is highly respected in the bonsai world for his craftsmanship and artistic vision, especially in the realm of shohin (small) bonsai pots. 

Below is more information about Bigei:

·         Bigei's Style:

Bigei is particularly recognised for his distinctive vermilion (shudei) pots, often featuring a beautiful burnished finish. He also creates glazed pots and incorporates decorative elements, such as nail carvings, sketches, and relief work, into his designs. 

·         Sansui Pots:

Under the Sansui name, Bigei produces painted pots featuring intricate water and mountain (Sansui) landscapes. 

·         Specialisation in Shohin:

Bigei is highly regarded for his expertise in crafting shohin bonsai pots, particularly the shaded vermillion ones. 

vermilion