HOKIDO (北斗) – 常滑 Tokoname (常滑市) – 10.9cm Oval White Clay (楕円形 白泥)
Product Details
Region: Tokoname 常滑市
Kiln: Hokido Kiln 北斗窯
Potter: Hokido 北斗
Handmade Bonsai Pot: Oval (楕円形) – White Clay (白泥)
Description
A finely crafted artisan-made Japanese bonsai pot by Hokido (北斗), produced in Tokoname (常滑市). This elegant shohin-sized oval bonsai pot (楕円形鉢) is formed from beautifully refined white clay (白泥), displaying soft ivory tones that gently blend into subtle olive-grey shading beneath the rim. The restrained colour palette and exceptional proportions exemplify the quiet sophistication for which Tokoname pottery is admired.
The pot features a broad rounded lip (口縁) finished with a contrasting charcoal-grey edge that creates an elegant visual frame around the planting area. Immediately beneath the lip, a subtle recessed shoulder accentuates the transition into the smoothly rounded body, producing a graceful uninterrupted silhouette free from decorative bands. The gently compressed form conveys a strong sense of harmony and balance while embodying the timeless shibui (渋い) aesthetic so highly valued in Japanese bonsai ceramics.
The finely prepared white clay possesses a smooth satin finish with delicate natural tonal variation that gives the surface remarkable depth without distraction. The subtle interplay between the warm ivory body and the darker shoulder enhances the refined character of the vessel. With years of careful cultivation, the clay will continue to mature gracefully, developing an increasingly attractive patina (景色) that will further enrich its quiet beauty.
The pot stands on four finely hand-carved cloud feet (雲足), each sculpted with elegant curled scroll terminals and softly rounded contours. Their refined modelling provides excellent stability while creating a graceful visual lift beneath the pot. More elaborate than the conventional Tokoname cloud foot, they introduce a subtle sense of movement and sophistication without disturbing the clean, understated lines of the vessel. This delicate foot treatment beautifully complements the restrained form of the pot and reflects the refined craftsmanship associated with Hokido.
The interior is fitted with one central drainage hole (水抜き穴) together with two wiring holes (針金穴), providing excellent drainage and secure anchoring for bonsai. The underside bears a crisp impressed Hokido seal (落款), confirming the authenticity of the workshop and the quality of its manufacture.
Beautifully proportioned and exceptionally refined, this Tokoname bonsai pot is ideally suited to shohin and mame bonsai, flowering species, small deciduous trees and elegant evergreen compositions. The soft white clay, contrasting dark rim and exquisitely sculpted cloud feet combine to produce a container of understated elegance that enhances the beauty of the tree without ever overwhelming it.
External dimensions: 10.9 × 8.2 × 3.3 cm
Internal dimensions: 9.5 × 6.7 × 2.3 cm
Condition: Excellent.
Shipping: Free Shipping to UK Mainland.
