REIHO 礼峰 (Matsushita Reiji 松下礼司) – 常滑市 – 52.5cm Mokko-gata 木瓜形 – Unglazed 無釉

Product Details / 商品詳細:

Region / 産地: Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture 常滑市・愛知県
Kiln / 窯元: Matsushita Toen 松下陶園
Potter / 陶芸家: Reiho 礼峰 – Matsushita Reiji 松下礼司
Style / 形式: Handmade Japanese Mokko-gata unglazed bonsai pot 手作り木瓜形無釉鉢
Signature / Mark / 落款: Hand-incised 「礼峰造」 together with the impressed Matsushita Toen 松下陶園 kiln seal

Description / 説明:

A substantial vintage Japanese bonsai pot by Reiho (礼峰), the artist name of Matsushita Reiji (松下礼司), produced in Tokoname (常滑), Aichi Prefecture. Formed in a classical Mokko-gata (木瓜形) and crafted from unglazed Tokoname clay 無釉常滑土, this large container combines a softly modelled profile with the structural strength required for a mature exhibition bonsai.

The restrained Mokko-gata (木瓜形) outline is defined by four gently articulated lobes, giving the vessel a softened architectural presence while retaining the visual stability of a broad oval composition. A rounded projecting kuchi-fuchi (口縁) follows the complete outline and gives the upper profile a strong, refined finish.

The generously rounded body has a full, swelling profile that curves smoothly inward towards the base. This continuous movement creates a powerful yet balanced silhouette, expressing a strong sense of chowa (調和) without relying on applied decoration.

An understated lower koshitai (腰帯) encircles the base and provides a clear transition into four broad recessed feet (落とし足). The feet are discreetly positioned beneath the basal band, creating a subtle shadow line and visually lifting the substantial body while providing a wide and stable stance.

The muted olive-grey Tokoname clay 緑灰色常滑土 has a smooth, gently satin surface with attractive tsuchi-aji (土味). Age and previous cultivation have produced a mature natural surface character 経年の風合い, particularly visible within the planting area, giving the vessel considerable depth and authenticity.

The underside carries the hand-incised inscription 「礼峰造」, meaning made by Reiho, together with the impressed Matsushita Toen (松下陶園) kiln seal. The base incorporates six drain/wiring holes (排水・針金兼用穴), thoughtfully arranged to provide efficient drainage and flexible anchoring options for the root mass of a large bonsai.

External dimensions / 外寸: 52.5 × 41.0 × 13.0 cm

Internal dimensions / 内寸: 46.8 × 35.5 × 10.5 cm

Condition / 状態: Excellent!

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About the Potter – Reiho 礼峰 (Matsushita Reiji 松下礼司)

Matsushita Reiji (松下礼司), known by the artist name Reiho (礼峰), was born in Tokoname in 1931 and became the first generation of the Reiho kiln. He began his ceramic career in 1950 and later became recognised for his specialist production of bonsai containers within the Tokoname-yaki tradition. In 1987, he received recognition as a Master Craftsman from the Tokoname authorities.

His work is associated with Matsushita Toen (松下陶園), and documented examples carry both the hand-incised 礼峰造 inscription and the impressed kiln mark, matching the marks visible on this pot.

Reiho’s pots are valued for their disciplined proportions, carefully prepared clay and strong practical construction. His larger containers demonstrate particular technical control, as vessels of this scale require careful management throughout forming, drying and firing to preserve their symmetry and structural integrity.

Collector’s Note / コレクターズノート

Large signed bonsai pots by Reiho (礼峰) are particularly appealing to collectors because they demonstrate the potter’s command of scale as well as form. At 52.5 cm, this substantial example retains harmonious proportions throughout its broad Mokko-gata (木瓜形) outline, rounded body and carefully positioned recessed feet.

The combination of the hand-incised 「礼峰造」 signature and impressed Matsushita Toen (松下陶園) seal provides strong maker and workshop identification. The mature olive-grey clay, visible tsuchi-aji (土味) and natural cultivation patina further distinguish it from an unused production pot.

Its broad planting area, deep interior and six versatile drain/wiring holes (排水・針金兼用穴) make it suitable for securing a substantial root mass, while the softly swelling body and restrained Mokko form provide the visual weight required to complement a mature deciduous tree, broadleaf evergreen or powerful exhibition bonsai.