----- Original Message -----
From: "Billy M. Rhodes" Subject: [IBC] Pot question


In a message dated 1/25/2003 8:09:47 PM Eastern Standard Time,
writes:

I have just recently found a handmade pot in a thrift store. It is a
small bowl, about 4 inches across, light brown raw finish. It is not
perfectly symmetrical, but it is signed in Asian script inside next to
the hole. Is this anything special?
Thanks, Brian


Probably a home made pot by a hobbyist. All the "good" pots I have seen
have the signature outside on the bottom. A good Japanese pot usually has
a
"chop" or square/rectangle stamped into the bottom with the name of the
potter. I don't think this pot has any value.
Billy on the Florida Space Coast

Sorry Billy, but I have to disagree...
Now, Keeping in mind I HAVE NOT SEEN THIS POT,
but,
A few of the hand-made pots I brought back from Japan ARE signed in hand
script INSIDE the pot, with no "chop"( stamp) on them anywhere. These are
truly hand made by an artist.
We ( bonsai people) think because there is a "chop" on the bottom of a pot
that it's worth something. That is just not so. I have seen MMMAAANNNYYYY
cheap chinese and Japanese manufactured pots with stamps on the bottom.
Now, I'm talking $2 Chinese pots here!!
Personally, I'd appreciate a hand signed Japanese pot more than some mass
produced pot with a stamp. The finer pots from Tokoname area will have hand
signatures and stamps.
I'd like to see a pic in the gallery. It could be a nice pot brought back
from Japan at some time and slowly worked it's way through an unappreciating
family to a thrift store....
or,
It could be junk.
But, the fact that there is no "chop" doesn't mean a thing. If there WAS a
chop, then WHAT IT SAYS is the only important thing!
Regards,
Dale Cochoy
Yakimono no Kokoro Bonsai Pottery

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