I acquired this pot for a friend who was looking for something really nice for a wonderful semi cascade Shinpaku, and in the process learned some marvelous information I thought would be great to share.
This pot was made by the third Ueda Naokata (if you haven’t heard of him, don’t fret, neither had I), a very highly respected potter from a very highly respected pottery family of Shigaraki.
The third Naokata was born in 1898, and while previous generations focused on teapots and cups, he was the first of his family line to make Bonsai pots. His surviving Bonsai pottery is exceedingly rare and precious, almost never seen.
What I found most interesting about this potter is his apparent influence on the work of Heian Tofukuji. Tofukuji imitated the works of Naokata, and it is said that he learned the “Tebineri” method of pottery from him. I think a simple glance at this pot by anyone familiar with the pots of Tofukuji confirms this. A fascinating piece of Bonsai pottery history.
Note the marvelous pear skin clay, and the delicately thin walled construction. The finger indentations from hand formed twisting technique are clearly seen on the inside. The feet are nicely carved and level. A fantastic pot.