Author Archives: japanesepots

About japanesepots

I've been collecting Japanese Bonsai pots for a few years, and feel that the famous, and some of the lesser known but great Japanese pot artists could do with a little more writing and exposure in English. Additionally, this blog will feature My own And others bonsai for discussion. The purpose of this blog is to further knowledge of Japanese pottery and Japanese style bonsai. If you have any questions about Japanese bonsai pottery, or would like to acquire pots by some of the potters presented in the blog, feel free to email me at gastrognome@aol.com

The 12th, 13th, and 14th Annual Contemporary Kobachi Artist Exhibition

I was away from writing for so long I missed 3 entire years of The Annual Kobachi Exhibition which I have written about since it’s 7th year. The reports from The All Japan Shohin Bonsai Association who holds the exhibition … Continue reading

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A Quick Look at Really Bad Forgeries, or, Exposing The Man Behind the Curtain

It’s almost common knowledge these days that there are many forgeries of Japanese potters’ work. I’ve even heard some claim that there are more fake pieces than real containers when it comes to some of the top level artists. The … Continue reading

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Getting Sexy with Pots(Part 1)

After a very long health related hiatus, I figured this first post should be something sexy….real sexy…..That’s right! We’re going to discuss “sexing” Bonsai containers today. Alas, we won’t be discussing the collectible and risqué designs of Nick Lenz, Dale … Continue reading

Posted in Famous and Antique Potters, Modern Potters, Pot Info, ID, Hanko, Books, ect., Trees | 4 Comments

New Beginnings and New Revisions

As many of you know, I’ve been faced with some major health issues over the last couple of years. After the coup de grace of those issues last week, I’ve decided to spend more time fixing some of the things … Continue reading

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Ogurayama, Part 2

Karahashi Homiyabi was born September 5, 1920, in Kyoto.  Before bonsai pottery, he helped with the family business making traditional Kyo-yaki ware.  He started his earnest apprenticeship as a potter/painter in 1970 under Heian Matsumoto, and gained his independence in … Continue reading

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The 11th Annual Shohin Pottery Competition (2)

There were many other notable artists and favorites in this year’s exhibition who didn’t win awards.  Let’s take a look at a few I found interesting.       My friend Ruban Yu of Taiwan entered a nice set of 3 … Continue reading

Posted in Famous and Antique Potters, Modern Potters | 2 Comments

The 11th Annual Shohin Pottery Competition (1)

Every year I look forward to Gafu Ten and the results of the big pottery competition and exhibition that is held there each year.  For articles on the previous exhibitions, click the over to the Table of Contents page under … Continue reading

Posted in Modern Potters, My Personal Collection | 4 Comments

Classical Glazes 1, the many faces of Namako

Dating to the Kowatari era, Namako(Nuh-mah-ko), or Sea Cucumber glaze, is one of many Classical Glazes still in use today.  Along with Kinyo(baby blue), Ki(Yellow), Tenmoku, and various Canton glazes, Namako is one of those glazes every Contemporary Japanese artist … Continue reading

Posted in Famous and Antique Potters, Modern Potters | 3 Comments

Shosekis! 

With Heike Van Gunst Shosekis! (Part 3 of the Bang for your Buck series) Ishida Shoseki Ishida Shoseki was born in 1925, but didn’t start to create bonsai containers until 1969.  At the age of 50, she first trained under … Continue reading

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Inoue Ryosai

After a long summer and fall hiatus while I’ve been actually DOING bonsai, I’m back this week with the first of several articles to be published before the end of the year.  Thanks for being patient and sticking around! Third … Continue reading

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