Chop ID Please - Newly Exploring Pottery

[thams]

Hi All,

I'm new to learning the nuances of bonsai pottery. I'm making a real effort to learn, but there's so much out there. Whenever I buy a pot, I do all I can to learn about the artist/kiln. I'm stumped in this case. I bought a tree from a local bonsai nursery and realized a week later that the pot is chopped. I feel a little stupid since I even checked the bottom when I purchased the tree, but didn't notice the two chops. I only noticed when I flipped the pot after I lifted the tree from the pot to check the roots.

I've tried to check chop libraries online, but no dice. Signatures are easier for me to identify than stamps, so that might be part of my problem. Also, the pot might be a mass produced Chinese pot, so I'm not necessarily expecting an awesome find. Any help would be great!

Tom

 

[Brian Underwood]

Got a pic of the whole pot? I don't know who made it, but Japanese pots don't often have two chops, and even less often do they have square or rectangular drain holes. I suspect it may be Chinese, but that's not necessarily a bad thing as many antique Chinese pots are highly sought after. Good luck!

 

[thams]

Thanks so much for the response. I'm really thinking it's nothing special, but I wanted to check to educate myself. I just ordered a nice dark blue glazed Hattori pot that suits the tree much better than the current one.

I've included a picture of the pot -- you'll have to excuse the state of the roots. This tree looks like it's been in the same pot for 4 or 5 years. The pot is filled with really thick roots that circle the pot 3 or 4 times... It'll need some major work come summer!

 

[GastroGnome]

While I agree with Brian that this is Chinese, I will say that it's not uncommon for Japanese pots to have two chops(Takao Koyo, Ito Tonyo, even famous guys like Kozan and Tofukuji, commonly use multiple marks), although it is more common on Chinese pots. Same with the drainage, tons of Japanese pots have the big rectangular drain hole in the center, although its more common on Chinese pots. I can tell you for certain that these marks are not from any of the 100 most famous "antique"(which, if you include new crossing, is really up to 1940) kilns, and they're definitely not from any of the 400 or so Japanese makers I'm familiar with. I think you're dead on in your assumption, that it's a decent mass market Chinese pot.
Ryan
Http://JapaneseBonsaiPots.net

 

[thams]

Thanks Ryan, I appreciate the conformation. Also, just wanted to say that your blog is awesome -- it's been a good way for me to immerse myself into the world of bonsai pottery. Keep it up!

Tom

 

[Beng]

Anyone know who this pot maker is? Got it at a garage sale this weekend for 5 bucks, looks japanese to me. It's a creme colored semi cascade. Dont know why the picture turned it should be 90 degrees to the right.