BIGEI 美芸 (Hirata Atsumi 平田あつみ) - 常滑– 25.0cm Rectangular Unglazed Flared-Corners Bonsai Pot（長方隅入無釉鉢）

BIGEI 美芸 (Hirata Atsumi 平田あつみ) - 常滑–  25.0cm Rectangular flared/indented-corner pot, unglazed. Choho sumi-iri bachi・muyu 長方隅入鉢・無釉

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Region: Tokoname 常滑市
Kiln: Bigei Kiln (美芸窯)
Potter: BIGEI 美芸 (Hirata Atsumi 平田あつみ)

A vintage, artisan-made 長方形 (chohokei / rectangular) bonsai pot by master potter Bigei (美芸). This unglazed piece features a softly rounded rectangular form with an internal rim (内縁 naien), A particularly elegant feature is the flared corners, which gently widen from the base to the rim — a refined design that adds lightness and flow (流れ nagare) to the strong rectangular form. The pot is supported by stepped feet (段足 dansoku), which not only provide visual interest but also elevate the piece with a graceful lift and structural balance.

Crafted from Tokoname’s signature red clay (shudei 朱泥), the surface displays a soft, burnished gradient, with warm vermilion hues darkening toward the base. 

In my view, the rounded rectangle shape is softer and more inviting than angular square forms, while the double bands and stepped feet offer a feeling of grounded strength and architectural elegance — a true harmony (調和 chowa) of form and function typical of Bigei's best work.

External dimensions: 25.0 x 19.0 6.2cm
Internal dimensions: 22.4 x 16.4 x 5.0cm

Condition: Excellent, very clean, possible new? No chips or cracks.

The base bears the carved signature 美芸造 (Bigei-zō), meaning “Made by Bigei” — the personal mark of Hirata Atsumi, the renowned bonsai potter of Tokoname.

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Bigei, whose real name is Hirata Atsumi, is a renowned Tokoname bonsai potter, known for his distinctive 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 dad was a carpenter. But Bigei wanted to work with ceramics, so as a young man, he set off to Tokoname and received an apprenticeship at a big pottery where he worked for food and shelter for 4 years without receiving any pay. But slowly he worked his way up, and in 1976 he opened up 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.