HATTORI 服部 – Hand Signed 爪描き – 常滑 Tokoname – 44.2cm Oval (楕円鉢) Glazed 釉薬
Product Details:
Region: Tokoname 常滑市
Kiln: Hattori Kiln 服部窯
Potter: Hattori 服部
Description:
A vintage artisan-made Japanese bonsai pot by Hattori (服部), executed in an elegant oval form (楕円鉢) and finished in a striking deep cobalt-blue glaze (瑠璃釉). The rich glaze displays excellent depth and lustre, creating a refined and sophisticated appearance whilst beautifully complementing a wide variety of deciduous, flowering, and evergreen bonsai compositions.
The pot features a broad rounded rim (玉縁) which provides a strong visual frame around the planting area. Beneath the rim sits a pronounced lip band (口縁帯), adding definition and structure to the upper section of the container. This refined treatment of the rim creates a powerful sense of balance whilst preserving the understated elegance associated with high-quality Japanese bonsai pottery.
The gently curved walls flow gracefully into a well-defined lower basal band (胴帯), which encircles the body and visually anchors the composition. The relationship between the lip band and basal band creates a harmonious architectural balance, giving the pot both strength and refinement. The smooth uninterrupted curves of the oval form soften the overall presentation and contribute to the container's distinctly shibui (渋い) character.
The pot stands on finely executed integrated cut feet (切足), providing excellent stability and elevation whilst maintaining the clean lines of the design. The understated foot treatment allows the elegant profile and exceptional glaze quality to remain the primary focus of the piece.
The interior offers generous planting space and is fitted with a central drainage hole (水抜き穴), four auxiliary drainage holes, and four wiring holes (針金穴), allowing excellent drainage and secure anchoring of bonsai material during both development and exhibition display.
The underside bears the hand-incised signature (爪描き銘) of Hattori, confirming the handmade nature of the piece. The unglazed base retains the traditional finishing marks associated with Japanese bonsai pottery and provides an attractive contrast to the rich cobalt glaze above.
An elegant exhibition-quality bonsai container combining exceptional craftsmanship, refined proportions, and a beautiful glazed finish. Particularly well suited to deciduous species, flowering bonsai, and refined broadleaf compositions where the deep blue glaze can provide striking visual contrast.
External dimensions: 44.2 x 36.1 x 9.3cm
Internal dimensions: 40.1 x 31.2 x 7.8cm
Condition:
Excellent condition.
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