BIGEI 美芸 (Hirata Atsumi 平田あつみ) – Tokoname 常滑 – 15.7cm Round Basket-Weave Unglazed Bonsai Pot (丸形編籠文無釉盆栽鉢) – Bamboo Feet (竹節足)

Product Details / 商品詳細:

Region: Tokoname (常滑市), Aichi Prefecture, Japan

Kiln: Bigei (美芸)

Potter: Hirata Atsumi (平田あつみ) – Bigei (美芸)

Shape: Round Basket-Form (丸形籠形)

Finish: Unglazed (無釉)

Decoration: Basket-Weave Pattern (編籠文), Twisted-Rope Rim (縄目縁)

Feet: Three Sculpted Bamboo-Section Feet (竹節足)

Seal: Impressed Bigei Seal (美芸陶印)

Description / 説明:

An exceptional artisan-made Japanese bonsai pot by Bigei (美芸), Hirata Atsumi (平田あつみ), from the celebrated pottery region of Tokoname (常滑).

This beautifully crafted 15.7cm round unglazed bonsai pot (丸形無釉盆栽鉢) features an intricate basket-weave design (編籠文) inspired by traditional Japanese bamboo craftsmanship (竹細工 – takezaiku).

The entire exterior is meticulously sculpted to reproduce interwoven bamboo strips, with carefully defined overlapping sections creating remarkable depth, texture and realism. The woven pattern follows the gently rounded body, gradually tapering towards the base and producing a beautifully balanced silhouette.

The upper edge is finished with a prominent twisted-rope rim (縄目縁), its diagonally carved segments resembling a thick cord encircling the vessel. This distinctive feature complements the basket-weave decoration and provides an elegant architectural finish.

Particularly attractive are the three sculpted bamboo-section feet (竹節足 – takefushi-ashi), each carefully modelled with rounded ends and characteristic bamboo-node detailing. Their design harmonises beautifully with the woven body, creating a unified composition inspired by traditional Japanese bamboo basketry.

The unglazed clay displays a rich reddish-brown colour, with deeper chocolate-brown tones across the raised woven elements. These contrasting shades accentuate the intricate pattern, while subtle greyish and earthy variations around the lower body and feet contribute to its attractive natural character and tsuchiaji (土味).

The combination of detailed craftsmanship, warm clay colours and balanced proportions reflects the traditional Japanese aesthetics of shibumi (渋み), chowa (調和) and zokei-bi (造形美).

The interior features a smooth planting surface with one central drainage hole and three smaller surrounding holes, providing practical drainage and wiring options.

The underside bears a clearly impressed square Bigei (美芸) seal (陶印), an important identifying feature for collectors of Japanese bonsai ceramics.

External dimensions / 外寸: 15.7 × 15.7 × 5.8cm

Internal dimensions / 内寸: 12.5 × 12.5 × 4.5cm

Condition: Excellent!

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About the Potter – Bigei (美芸), Hirata Atsumi (平田あつみ)

Bigei (美芸) is the artistic name of Hirata Atsumi (平田あつみ), a respected Japanese bonsai potter associated with Tokoname (常滑), one of Japan's most important traditional ceramic centres.

Born in 1939, Hirata Atsumi began developing his pottery skills in 1969, becoming recognised for his refined craftsmanship, carefully balanced forms and distinctive decorative techniques.

His work includes traditional unglazed bonsai containers and more elaborate sculptural designs, often displaying beautifully controlled clay surfaces and warm earthy colours.

Bigei's pottery reflects the traditional Tokoname appreciation of tsuchiaji (土味) — the natural character of clay — together with the precision and dedication associated with shokunin-waza (職人技), the skill of the accomplished craftsman.

His production became increasingly limited in later years, and his distinctive works remain appreciated among collectors of Japanese bonsai pottery.

Collector's Note / コレクターズノート

This remarkable 15.7cm Bigei (美芸) basket-weave bonsai pot is a particularly attractive example of decorative Tokoname craftsmanship.

The intricately sculpted basket-weave exterior (編籠文) creates a convincing impression of traditional Japanese bamboo basketry, while the beautifully defined twisted-rope rim (縄目縁) adds refinement and character.

The three distinctive bamboo-section feet (竹節足) are especially noteworthy, complementing the woven design and creating a harmonious relationship between the body and its supporting structure.

The rich reddish-brown clay, contrasting chocolate-brown woven elements and subtle natural tonal variations enhance the depth of the decoration and the pot's beautiful tsuchiaji (土味).

The impressed Bigei seal (美芸陶印) adds further collector interest, while its compact proportions make it an appealing choice for shohin bonsai (小品盆栽).

A distinctive collector's piece combining traditional craftsmanship (職人技), beauty of form (造形美) and understated elegance (渋み).