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A rectangular, unglazed red Tokoname clay plaque featuring a high-relief, hand-carved dragon by artist Kouji Watanabe. The plaque is approximately 5 inches wide and displays a vibrant reddish-brown color characteristic of traditional shudei clay. The intricate carving depicts a dynamic dragon with a detailed head, flowing whiskers, and a coiled, scaled body that takes up the majority of the frame. The background of the plaque has a rough, "ishime" or stone-like texture, which makes the smooth, curved lines of the dragon relief stand out. In the bottom-left corner, three Japanese seals are impressed into the clay: one large square seal and two smaller, irregularly shaped marks, serving as the artist's signature. The plaque is shown resting on a dark, textured surface and is leaned against a vertical, polished block of warm-toned wood, highlighting its use as a decorative accessory for bonsai displays or traditional Japanese art collections.

5 Inch Tokoname Clay Dragon Plaque by Kouji Watanabe, Hand Carved Relief, Unglazed Red Clay

Price:
$75.00
SKU:
TK-1708
Shipping:
$12.00 (Fixed Shipping Cost)
No Extra Shipping charges for Add-ons if purchased now.
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Hand Carved Tokoname Clay Plaque by Kouji Watanabe

A striking Tokoname clay plaque by Kouji Watanabe featuring a hand-carved dragon relief with deep texture and darkened contrast in the carving. Made in unglazed red clay, this piece is designed as a display accent for a tokonoma, bonsai shelf, or studio wall, adding a strong traditional motif and collector-grade craftsmanship to any space.

Style and Finish

  • Type: Display plaque, relief tile
  • Finish: Unglazed red clay with natural firing variation
  • Design: Dragon relief with carved detail and darkened contrast
  • Marks: Maker stamps and carved characters

Dimensions

  • Size: 5" x 3" x 0.25" thick

Display Ideas

Use as a backdrop behind a shohin display, lean it on a shelf, or mount it in a small frame. The dragon motif pairs especially well with rugged conifers, collected-style material, and dramatic deadwood compositions.

About the Potter and Kiln

This piece was made at Kakuzan Toen in Tokoname, Japan. Kouji Watanabe manages the kiln and is known for his skill in teaching wheel lessons to visitors and fellow bonsai potters, continuing the workshop’s tradition through both production and education.

Photo Note

Photos are taken in consistent lighting to show carving depth and clay color. Minor kiln marks, pinholes, firing variation, or small asymmetries are normal and part of handmade Tokoname work.

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