{"product_id":"bigei-美芸-hirata-atsumi-平田あつみ-常滑-15-2cm-quince","title":"BIGEI 美芸 (Hirata Atsumi 平田あつみ) – 常滑 – 15.2cm Quince","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"120\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2\" data-end=\"120\"\u003eBIGEI 美芸 (Hirata Atsumi 平田あつみ) – 常滑 Tokoname (常滑市) – 15.2cm Mokko (Quince) Shape (木瓜形) Unglazed Brown Clay (茶泥・無釉)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"122\" data-end=\"142\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"122\" data-end=\"142\"\u003eProduct Details:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"144\" data-end=\"186\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"144\" data-end=\"155\"\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture 常滑市\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"188\" data-end=\"197\"\u003eKiln:\u003c\/strong\u003e BIGEI 美芸\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"208\" data-end=\"219\"\u003ePotter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hirata Atsumi 平田あつみ\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"241\" data-end=\"610\"\u003eA finely handcrafted \u003cstrong data-start=\"262\" data-end=\"285\"\u003eTokoname-yaki (常滑焼)\u003c\/strong\u003e bonsai pot by the renowned \u003cstrong data-start=\"313\" data-end=\"338\"\u003eHirata Atsumi (平田あつみ)\u003c\/strong\u003e, working under the kiln name \u003cstrong data-start=\"368\" data-end=\"382\"\u003eBIGEI (美芸)\u003c\/strong\u003e. Executed in the elegant \u003cstrong data-start=\"408\" data-end=\"428\"\u003eMokko-gata (木瓜形)\u003c\/strong\u003e, or quince shape, this refined bonsai pot beautifully embodies the Japanese aesthetic of \u003cstrong data-start=\"518\" data-end=\"533\"\u003eshibui (渋い)\u003c\/strong\u003e, where simplicity, balance and craftsmanship work together in quiet harmony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"612\" data-end=\"1053\"\u003eThe pot features a generous \u003cstrong data-start=\"640\" data-end=\"660\"\u003erounded lip (丸縁)\u003c\/strong\u003e flowing naturally into a refined \u003cstrong data-start=\"694\" data-end=\"715\"\u003einternal rim (内縁)\u003c\/strong\u003e. The softly swelling \u003cstrong data-start=\"737\" data-end=\"757\"\u003eMokko-gata (木瓜形)\u003c\/strong\u003e body creates an elegant four-lobed silhouette, offering a graceful alternative to the traditional oval while maintaining perfect visual balance (\u003cstrong data-start=\"903\" data-end=\"909\"\u003e均整\u003c\/strong\u003e). The gently curved walls (\u003cstrong data-start=\"937\" data-end=\"944\"\u003e胴張り\u003c\/strong\u003e) provide a feeling of strength and softness, making the form particularly pleasing from every viewing angle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1055\" data-end=\"1543\"\u003eThe body is intentionally free from decorative bands, allowing the warm \u003cstrong data-start=\"1127\" data-end=\"1153\"\u003ebrown shudei clay (茶泥)\u003c\/strong\u003e to become the principal feature. The finely finished surface possesses a soft satin texture with subtle firing variations (\u003cstrong data-start=\"1277\" data-end=\"1283\"\u003e焼色\u003c\/strong\u003e) that enrich the natural beauty of the clay. Over the years, the pot has developed an attractive natural \u003cstrong data-start=\"1389\" data-end=\"1406\"\u003epatina (経年変化)\u003c\/strong\u003e together with a rich \u003cstrong data-start=\"1428\" data-end=\"1442\"\u003efuai (風合い)\u003c\/strong\u003e, giving the surface warmth, depth and character appreciated by collectors of fine Tokoname ceramics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1545\" data-end=\"1967\"\u003eThe pot is \u003cstrong data-start=\"1556\" data-end=\"1620\"\u003esupported by four recessed three-lobed lotus feet (蓮弁足・落とし足)\u003c\/strong\u003e, each beautifully sculpted into three softly rounded lotus petals that provide an elegant visual lift while maintaining excellent stability. Their refined organic form complements the gentle curves of the \u003cstrong data-start=\"1826\" data-end=\"1846\"\u003eMokko-gata (木瓜形)\u003c\/strong\u003e body, adding subtle sculptural interest without detracting from the quiet beauty and harmony of the overall composition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1969\" data-end=\"2187\"\u003eThe interior is finished with an attractive \u003cstrong data-start=\"2013\" data-end=\"2045\"\u003ecomb-textured pattern (櫛目模様)\u003c\/strong\u003e radiating from the centre towards the walls, a subtle hand-finished detail that reflects the artisan's meticulous attention to craftsmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2189\" data-end=\"2460\"\u003eThe underside bears the impressed \u003cstrong data-start=\"2223\" data-end=\"2237\"\u003eBIGEI (美芸)\u003c\/strong\u003e kiln seal and is fitted with \u003cstrong data-start=\"2267\" data-end=\"2295\"\u003etwo drainage holes (排水穴)\u003c\/strong\u003e. This refined configuration is particularly well suited to \u003cstrong data-start=\"2355\" data-end=\"2376\"\u003eMame Bonsai (豆盆栽)\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-start=\"2381\" data-end=\"2405\"\u003eShohin Bonsai (小品盆栽)\u003c\/strong\u003e, where discreet anchoring methods are often preferred.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2462\" data-end=\"2703\"\u003eThe harmonious proportions, refined craftsmanship and beautifully matured clay make this an excellent example of modern \u003cstrong data-start=\"2582\" data-end=\"2605\"\u003eTokoname-yaki (常滑焼)\u003c\/strong\u003e, equally suitable for deciduous trees, flowering species, small conifers and accent compositions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2705\" data-end=\"2750\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2705\" data-end=\"2729\"\u003eExternal dimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15.2 × 13.6 × 4.3 cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2752\" data-end=\"2776\"\u003eInternal dimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 13.1 × 11.4 × 2.7 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2799\" data-end=\"2824\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2799\" data-end=\"2813\"\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2826\" data-end=\"2858\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2826\" data-end=\"2858\"\u003eFree Shipping to UK Mainland\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2860\" data-end=\"2917\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2864\" data-end=\"2917\"\u003eAbout the Potter – BIGEI 美芸 (Hirata Atsumi 平田あつみ)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2919\" data-end=\"3166\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2919\" data-end=\"2955\"\u003eHirata Atsumi (平田あつみ, born 1939)\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of Tokoname's most respected contemporary bonsai potters, producing work under the kiln name \u003cstrong data-start=\"3056\" data-end=\"3070\"\u003eBIGEI (美芸)\u003c\/strong\u003e. He began making bonsai pots in the late 1950s before establishing himself in Tokoname in 1969.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3168\" data-end=\"3543\"\u003eUnlike many Tokoname potters who inherited long-established family workshops, Hirata entered ceramics independently, allowing him to develop a distinctive artistic identity while remaining firmly rooted in the traditions of \u003cstrong data-start=\"3392\" data-end=\"3415\"\u003eTokoname-yaki (常滑焼)\u003c\/strong\u003e. His work is recognised for its exceptional precision, elegant proportions (\u003cstrong data-start=\"3492\" data-end=\"3498\"\u003e均整\u003c\/strong\u003e), meticulous finishing and quiet refinement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3545\" data-end=\"3989\"\u003eBIGEI pots are admired for their functional excellence (\u003cstrong data-start=\"3601\" data-end=\"3608\"\u003e用の美\u003c\/strong\u003e), restrained forms and subtle aesthetic balance. Working in both unglazed \u003cstrong data-start=\"3683\" data-end=\"3701\"\u003eshudei (朱泥・茶泥)\u003c\/strong\u003e and carefully controlled glazed finishes, Hirata creates containers that enhance the bonsai rather than compete with it. His craftsmanship and consistency have earned \u003cstrong data-start=\"3869\" data-end=\"3878\"\u003eBIGEI\u003c\/strong\u003e an excellent reputation among collectors and professional bonsai artists throughout Japan and internationally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3991\" data-end=\"4027\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3995\" data-end=\"4027\"\u003eCollector's Notes (収集家のコメント)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4029\" data-end=\"4349\"\u003eBIGEI bonsai pots are highly regarded for their refined craftsmanship, elegant proportions and timeless \u003cstrong data-start=\"4133\" data-end=\"4148\"\u003eshibui (渋い)\u003c\/strong\u003e character. Hirata Atsumi's work demonstrates an exceptional understanding of \u003cstrong data-start=\"4226\" data-end=\"4244\"\u003eyo no bi (用の美)\u003c\/strong\u003e—the beauty of practical function—where every element serves both an aesthetic and horticultural purpose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4351\" data-end=\"4854\"\u003eThis example is particularly desirable for its elegant \u003cstrong data-start=\"4406\" data-end=\"4426\"\u003eMokko-gata (木瓜形)\u003c\/strong\u003e form, beautifully matured \u003cstrong data-start=\"4453\" data-end=\"4476\"\u003etea-brown clay (茶泥)\u003c\/strong\u003e, attractive natural \u003cstrong data-start=\"4497\" data-end=\"4520\"\u003ekeinen henka (経年変化)\u003c\/strong\u003e, finely sculpted \u003cstrong data-start=\"4538\" data-end=\"4584\"\u003erecessed three-lobed lotus feet (蓮弁足・落とし足)\u003c\/strong\u003e and crisp impressed \u003cstrong data-start=\"4605\" data-end=\"4619\"\u003eBIGEI (美芸)\u003c\/strong\u003e seal. The combination of refined craftsmanship, subtle surface character and harmonious proportions makes this an outstanding collector's piece and a superb container for exhibition-quality \u003cstrong data-start=\"4810\" data-end=\"4824\"\u003eMame (豆盆栽)\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-start=\"4829\" data-end=\"4846\"\u003eShohin (小品盆栽)\u003c\/strong\u003e bonsai.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sugi Bonsai","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57779084689739,"sku":"v1221406039  64","price":94.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0945\/4259\/4379\/files\/IMG_4458.jpg?v=1783367884","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%91-15-2cm-quince","provider":"Sugi Bonsai","version":"1.0","type":"link"}