Handmade Bonsai Pot by Shuho (Hidemi Kataoka)
This handmade bonsai pot was made at Yoshimura Toen in Tokoname by Shuho (Hidemi Kataoka), 5th generation. I visited the kiln in November 2025 and hand-selected pots directly from what was available on site, not from a catalog.
This was another pot I was able to purchase from the back room of the kiln. There were hundreds of pots tucked away there, some experimental and others clearly family pieces with history behind them. I am honestly not completely sure of the full story on this one, as much of our communication happened through translated messages on our phones, but it stood out enough that I knew I wanted to bring it home.
This piece has a clean rectangular form with clipped corners, a soft matte-to-satin blue glaze, and elegant carved feet that give it a more refined presentation. The glaze has a calm, understated look with subtle speckling and enough softness to work with a wide range of trees without overpowering the composition.
- Condition note: This pot is new.
- Style: Rectangle form with clipped corners, straight walls, and a clean refined profile.
- Feet: Decorative carved feet with a formal, finished look.
- Exterior: Soft blue glaze with subtle speckling and gentle tonal variation.
- Interior: Unglazed interior with four main drainage holes and two wire holes.
Dimensions:
Outside: 13” x 10” x 3.5”
Inside: 11.5” x 8.75” x 2.25”
Photo Note: Listing photos were taken in natural light. Glaze tone may appear slightly different depending on screen settings and lighting conditions.
Shipping Info: This pot will be carefully packed and fully insured for safe transit.
Meet the Artist
Shuho, also known as Hidemi Kataoka, is a 5th-generation potter working at Yoshimura Toen in Tokoname, Japan. His family kiln is respected for its long pottery tradition and for producing bonsai containers that balance function, craftsmanship, and understated beauty. Visiting the kiln in person gave me the opportunity to select pieces that felt special in hand, including a number of pots pulled from the back room rather than standard display inventory. Each one carries a little more mystery and a little more story.
