{"product_id":"bigei-美芸-hirata-atsumi-平田あつみ-常滑-9-5cm-round-unglazed-carved","title":"BIGEI 美芸 (Hirata Atsumi 平田あつみ) – 常滑 – 9.5cm Round, Unglazed Carved.","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003eBigei, Tokoname, 9.5 x 9.5 x 3.7cm round, unglazed, carved fluted\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003eProduct Details: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003eRegion: Tokoname \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"JA\" 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;\"\u003e常滑市\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003eKiln: Bigei Kiln (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"JA\" 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;\"\u003e美芸窯\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003e)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003ePotter: \u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eBIGEI \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"JA\" style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'MS Mincho','serif'; mso-ascii-font-family: Bahnschrift; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Bahnschrift; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e美芸\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e (Hirata Atsumi \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"JA\" style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'MS Mincho','serif'; mso-ascii-font-family: Bahnschrift; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Bahnschrift; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e平田あつみ\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e) \u003c\/span\u003e\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';\"\u003eA highly refined, small round bonsai pot (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"JA\" 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;\"\u003e丸鉢\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003e marubachi) by master potter Bigei (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"JA\" 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;\"\u003e美芸\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003e). This piece exemplifies Bigei’s late-period decorative style, featuring a precisely hand-carved surface with vertical fluting and fine crosshatching (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"JA\" 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;\"\u003e彫文様\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003e chō mon'yō) around the body.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003eThe darkened surface, possibly a reduction-fired shudei (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"JA\" 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;\"\u003e朱泥\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003e) red clay, takes on a rich umber-black tone (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"JA\" 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;\"\u003e焦げ\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003e shudei) that subtly shifts with light. The carved pattern provides depth and visual texture without overwhelming the pot’s soft, compressed form — a superb example of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"JA\" 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;\"\u003e調和\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003e chōwa (harmony) between decoration and restraint.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003eThe pot is compact with a slightly compressed profile and elegant taper from rim to base. It rests on two low, stepped cut feet (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"JA\" 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;\"\u003e段切り足\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003e dan-kiri ashi), providing both aesthetic lift and excellent stability. The piece blends traditional Tokoname craftsmanship with a refined, modern feel.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003eThis pot is ideal for shohin bonsai (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"JA\" 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;\"\u003e小品盆栽\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003e), especially accent trees or kusamono (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"JA\" 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;\"\u003e草物\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003e), where the pot should quietly support and elevate the planting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003eExternal Dimensions: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003e9.5 x 3.7cm\u003cbr\u003eInternal Dimensions: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003e8.0 x x2.5cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\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=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003eCondition: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003eExcellent vintage condition. Lightly used with a soft natural patina (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"JA\" 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;\"\u003e古艶\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003e kotsuya) forming on the surface. No chips, cracks, or restoration. Minor water or mineral traces may be visible, consistent with age and use.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003eSigned on the base with the hand-carved mark \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"JA\" 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;\"\u003e美芸\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003e (Bigei), confirming its origin from Tokoname master potter Hirata Atsumi.\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 lang=\"JA\" 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;\"\u003e美芸\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Bahnschrift','sans-serif';\"\u003e \/ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"JA\" 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;\"\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 lang=\"JA\" 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;\"\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 lang=\"JA\" 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;\"\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 lang=\"JA\" 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;\"\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 lang=\"JA\" 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;\"\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 lang=\"JA\" 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;\"\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 lang=\"JA\" 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;\"\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 lang=\"JA\" 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;\"\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 lang=\"JA\" 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;\"\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":56381631693131,"sku":"@pSf1130238578 130","price":125.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0945\/4259\/4379\/files\/IMG_9728.jpg?v=1769358772","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%91-9-5cm-round-unglazed-carved","provider":"Sugi Bonsai","version":"1.0","type":"link"}