{"product_id":"bigei-美芸-hirata-atsumi-平田あつみ-常滑-10-6cm-round-unglazed","title":"BIGEI 美芸 (Hirata Atsumi 平田あつみ) – 常滑 – 10.6 × 8.0 cm Round Unglazed 丸鉢・無釉","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"402\" data-start=\"310\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"330\" data-start=\"310\"\u003eProduct Details:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"333\" data-start=\"330\"\u003eRegion: Tokoname 常滑市\u003cbr data-end=\"356\" data-start=\"353\"\u003eKiln: Bigei 美芸\u003cbr data-end=\"373\" data-start=\"370\"\u003ePotter: Hirata Atsumi 平田あつみ\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"644\" data-start=\"404\"\u003eA refined vintage Japanese bonsai pot by Bigei (美芸), produced in Tokoname and stamped to the base. This is a round form (marubachi 丸鉢) with gently flared walls and a softly rolled rim (kuchi-en 口縁), creating a calm yet dignified silhouette.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1031\" data-start=\"646\"\u003eThe body features an elegant pierced openwork band (sukashi 透かし), composed of repeating four-petal floral motifs (hana-mon 花文) arranged around the mid-section. These openings provide both visual lightness and excellent aeration, while maintaining strong structural balance. A subtle incised line defines the upper shoulder, separating the rim from the body and adding quiet refinement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1308\" data-start=\"1033\"\u003eThe clay is a dark, iron-rich Tokoname body, unglazed (muyu 無釉), with a smooth, compact surface that has developed a deep, natural patina (furu-aji 古味) over time. The color shows warm brown tones with soft highlights where handled, characteristic of well-fired Tokoname ware.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1636\" data-start=\"1310\"\u003eThe interior displays finely tooled vertical combing (kushime 櫛目) along the inner wall, enhancing root grip and drainage efficiency. The base is well finished, with a clean foot ring and three small, sculpted feet carved in a stylized cloud form (kumo-ashi 雲足), giving the pot a lifted, elegant stance without appearing heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1824\" data-start=\"1638\"\u003eDrainage consists of one central water hole with three smaller auxiliary holes suitable for wiring (mizunuki ana 水抜き穴 \/ naewire ana 針金穴), making this pot practical as well as decorative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1906\" data-start=\"1826\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1850\" data-start=\"1826\"\u003eExternal dimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10.6 × 8.0 cm\u003cbr data-end=\"1867\" data-start=\"1864\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1891\" data-start=\"1867\"\u003eInternal dimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.7 × 6.7 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2027\" data-start=\"1908\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1922\" data-start=\"1908\"\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent.\u003cbr data-end=\"1936\" data-start=\"1933\"\u003eNo cracks or repairs. Minor kiln and age marks consistent with vintage Tokoname production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2027\" data-start=\"1908\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFree shipping to mainland UK on this pot.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003eAbout Bigei (Hirata Atsumi, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'MS Mincho','serif'; mso-ascii-font-family: Bahnschrift; mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Bahnschrift;\" lang=\"JA\"\u003e美芸\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003e \/ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'MS Mincho','serif'; mso-ascii-font-family: Bahnschrift; mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Bahnschrift;\" lang=\"JA\"\u003e平田あつみ\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003eBigei, real name Hirata Atsumi, is one of Tokoname’s most respected bonsai potters. Known for his distinctive vermilion (shudei \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'MS Mincho','serif'; mso-ascii-font-family: Bahnschrift; mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Bahnschrift;\" lang=\"JA\"\u003e朱泥\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003e) and elegant glazed pieces, he is especially revered in the shohin bonsai world for his craftsmanship and quiet artistic vision.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003eBorn in 1939, Bigei began his ceramic career in 1958. He moved to Tokoname in 1969 with no family background in pottery — his father was a carpenter — and began a tough apprenticeship at a large kiln, working for four years for only food and shelter. Despite the hardships and being an outsider, Bigei persevered, eventually establishing his own studio in 1976. He is the only well-known Tokoname potter to have built his reputation entirely through independent effort, rising from nothing — \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'MS Mincho','serif'; mso-ascii-font-family: Bahnschrift; mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Bahnschrift;\" lang=\"JA\"\u003e徒手空拳\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003e toshukūken (with bare hands).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003eAs of the last known update in 2017, Bigei had reduced production, making pots only for himself or close friends.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003eAdditional Notes on Bigei’s Work:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003eStyle \u0026amp; Materials:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003eBigei is most known for his shaded vermilion (shudei) unglazed pieces, often finished with burnishing (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'MS Mincho','serif'; mso-ascii-font-family: Bahnschrift; mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Bahnschrift;\" lang=\"JA\"\u003e磨き\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003e migaki). He also creates glazed works with deep character, often decorated with nail carving (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'MS Mincho','serif'; mso-ascii-font-family: Bahnschrift; mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Bahnschrift;\" lang=\"JA\"\u003e釘彫り\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003e kugibori), brush sketches, and reliefs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003eSansui Pots (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'MS Mincho','serif'; mso-ascii-font-family: Bahnschrift; mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Bahnschrift;\" lang=\"JA\"\u003e山水鉢\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003e):\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003eUnder the name Sansui (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'MS Mincho','serif'; mso-ascii-font-family: Bahnschrift; mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Bahnschrift;\" lang=\"JA\"\u003e山水\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003e), Bigei produces painted pots with traditional Chinese-style mountain and water landscapes (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'MS Mincho','serif'; mso-ascii-font-family: Bahnschrift; mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Bahnschrift;\" lang=\"JA\"\u003e山水画\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003e sansuiga), often in ink or enamel glazes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003eShohin Specialization (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'MS Mincho','serif'; mso-ascii-font-family: Bahnschrift; mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Bahnschrift;\" lang=\"JA\"\u003e小品盆栽鉢\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003e):\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003eBigei’s work in the shohin scale is particularly admired. His attention to proportion and surface finish makes his small pots prized for high-level bonsai display.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003eReference: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003eHolvila Bonsai Pot Interview with Bigei (2017)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003eAn excellent interview that captures his story, artistic integrity, and the challenges he overcame during the “golden days” of Tokoname bonsai pottery.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sugi Bonsai","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56383201640779,"sku":"@pS1194438775  *28","price":165.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0945\/4259\/4379\/files\/IMG_9746.jpg?v=1769362699","url":"https:\/\/sugibonsai.com\/products\/bigei-%e7%be%8e%e8%8a%b8-hirata-atsumi-%e5%b9%b3%e7%94%b0%e3%81%82%e3%81%a4%e3%81%bf-%e5%b8%b8%e6%bb%91-10-6cm-round-unglazed","provider":"Sugi Bonsai","version":"1.0","type":"link"}