The Clay Masters of Tokoname

Meet the Clay Masters of Tokoname in this mini-documentary on Bonsai ceramics!
Tokoname is one of the six famous old kilns of Japan, producing tea pots, sewer pipes and... Bonsai Pots. Though Tokoname was famous for its clay (Tokoname literally means "Always smooth"), much of that has ran out and what remains are highly skilled craftsman, with a reputation for quality Bonsai containers, both glazed and unglazed.
Invited by the Tokoname association, we shot this documentary on the true craftsmanship of the potters. Focusing on the process of creating a Bonsai pot, we filmed six artists in their ateliers.
The stars of the film:
Tatsuhiro Tanaka (Clay Atelier)
Katsushi Kataoka (Reiho, Seizan Toen)
Kazuhiro Watanabe (Ikko, Kanesho Seitosho)
Kakuyuki Watanabe (Kakuzan toen)
Katsuichi Shibata (Shibakatsu en)
Hidemi Kataoka (Shuuhou, Yoshimura toen)
And the process of creating Bonsai pots:
Step 1: Preparing the clay
At the Atelier of Tokoname clay they import, mix, purify and distribute all the clay for the all potters in Tokoname. For different types of pottery, there are different types of clay and the potters can customize their own mixture for the best characteristics.
Once the clay is at the potter, it will be kneaded by both hand and machine to enable the potter to work with it. Normally a potter uses a machine to make the clay more soft and then knead it in the right shape.
Next, there are three different ways to shape a pot. We'll explain the shaping with a mould first and after that describe how the wheel and manual methods work.
Step 2a: Shaping with a mould
The slab of clay is created by kneading the clay thoroughly and then creating thin layers by running a thin steel wire across the clay.
The slab is then rolled onto a pipe to transport it to the mould.
Finally, the slab is then pushed and shaped into the mould using a sand bag. Excess clay on the inside is now removed using a spatula, to make sure the thickness of the clay is uniform. The moulded pot then needs to dry for a day, before the mould can be removed. Usually this is the moment to add the stamp on the bottom of the pot, as well as creating holes for drainage. Finally, with some moulds the rim also needs to be added manually.
Step 2b: Shaping with a wheel
Using the wheel is probably the method that we always think of when talking about pottery. The potters show incredible craftsmanship when creating the perfect shape for the bonsai pot.
While the feet of the pot are automatically created when using a mould, the potter that uses the wheel as a shaping method, needs to create this separately (usually after one day of drying first).
Step 2c: Shaping with clay slabs
Not all pots can be made using moulds or wheels. As not all can be similar in shape and not all are round. Some potters rather form the bonsai pots themselves using slabs that they cut out themselves. This enables them to make one of a kind pots that are exactly designed to their customer’s wishes. Usually the body of the pot is designed first and after a few hours drying the rim is added, and again a few hours later the feet can be created.
Step 3: Finishing and drying
Water finishing. To smoothen the surface and edges of the pot, the craftsmen use all kinds of cloths and cards that they dip in water.
Drying. Drying makes sure that the pots stay in the right shape when being fired later. Drying can take between 1-3 days time depending on the size of the pot. On this photo several glazed pots are drying, almost ready to be fired.
Step 4: Glazing
Some pots are glazed, mostly to suit Deciduous or broadleaf evergreen trees. The pot is dipped into a basin of glaze, after which it is left to dry for about a day before being fired. Sometimes a second glazing is added and the pot would be fired again.
Step 5: Finishing and firing
Both the surface and the edges are polished and smoothened during the drying process, right before the firing.
After one day of drying the potter can add their own brand mark by either scribbling or pressing their name on the bottom of the pot.
The kiln is then packed with pots and over the course of about 30 hours heated to 1180 degrees Celsius, and cooled down again.
This film is a cooperation of Bonsai Empire with the Japan Patent Office (JPO) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).
Music, in order of playing: Chat roulette, Avert your Eyes, Water Lillies, 1.42, Still (Hiatus), Mana Two, Lullaby, Sixteen Twenty Five.
More information:
www.bonsaiempi...
tokonamebonsaip...

[@bonsaiempire]

We really love to hear your opinion on this film! Should we do more? On what topics? Let us know!

[@tmg689]

Great production and insight on their processes. Make one on bonsai tools! Even one on biogold would be interesting =D

[@nathanaeverson]

Would definitely love to see more of these. Films could be done on a particular bonsai artist, or a look at a particular style of bonsai, for example. Even as a previous commenter mention, a film on tool making would be great. Would love to see 30 min. films too. 20 mins just didn't seem long enough.

[@erichraudebaugh]

Bonsai display stands would be cool too. Great video!

[@Lu-KN]

I would like to see another video, about tea ceramics.

[@pickerrs]

Just brilliant, as below, more detail on the extensive knowledge base would be fascinating.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Fantastic, I cannot imagine the amount of dedication and time that went into making this video for us!

[@bonsaiempire]

Thanks Nigel! It was quite a big undertaking :-)

[@HerbanLegend420]

I love hearing the stories of Japanese artisans who are the descendants of Japanese artisans. In a world that's always changing, it's comforting to know that there are still people practicing and preserving ancestral knowledge from generations past.

[@luluwithers9989]

I absolutely love how this video shows different peoples and families' techniques used for creating the work. Beautifully encapsulates the care and attention put into each piece.

[@bonsaiempire]

Thank you so much!

[@markcooper1060]

Fascinating. Excellent production too.

[@bonsaiempire]

Thanks Mark, really appreciate it!

[@lorimangold2890]

I love that All these people were Masters in their Craft, 35 40 years do what they do, they made it look so easy, even though it took so many years to perfect, beautiful bonsai pottery each one, I especially like the footings

[@BonsaiTalk]

The way this craftsmanship has been passed over by father to son, the dignity and respect for the material and the techniques is truly unique. In the west there used to be the same mindset, but not anymore. Work ethics and morale is always a result of a pristine product and tokoname is not exception. Great vid.

[@bonsaiempire]

Thanks!

[@barodrinksbeer7484]

I agree, I recently found out my whole family was filled with potters/brick layers till my father became a mechanic. Even though ive been doing it for over two years he never mentioned this to me once because he told me he had no respect for those sorts of craftsmanships.

[@Matt_328]

I like everything that is hand made, from pottery to musical instruments, tools, art, toys, furniture, buildings, machines, weapons, etc.

[@iramila1392]

Agree except weapons

[@bob.hudson]

Please do more of this awesome content, it is literally a grounding experience.

[@FrankEtchells]

Very educational film on the work - and craftsmanship - that goes in to making Bonsai pots. I will no longer look at my 'pots' as *just* pots. Thank you for such an informative film. I'm returning to give time to the Bonsai I've had a number of years but had to plant in to containers due to other life commitments, just happened across your film and have now subscribed.

[@bonsaiempire]

Thanks Frank, really appreciate your comment and glad it was educational!

[@nightmary]

I loved this video. The Clay Masters are wonderful and I enjoyed listening to them explain their process. I'm amazed at the time you spent in your explanation. You clearly have a love of this subject and much respect for the Clay Masters. Thank you.

[@roehle9962]

These are not only beautiful pots but also beautiful people. I don’t need to speak a single word japanese to realize how wise and calm all those artists are.

[@wrongfootmcgee]

It is one of my favorite things: to watch a professional make something difficult look effortless.

[@HiroJohnson]

Oh my god. This video is really great... thank you very much.

[@zambimaru]

For some reason I really like these unglazed, basic looking pots. Something about the shape.

[@宮島五葉]

脂の乗り切った常滑の盆栽作家の皆さんが、最高の技を披露されていて見ごたえがあります。私も少しですが鉢づくりを始めています。土の柔らかさを作業に適した状態にできる見込みもなく行き当たりばったりですので、到底皆さんの技を参考にするところまでは行きませんが、めざす方向を示していただきました。ありがとうございます。

[@LoveBonsai902]

Fascinating insight into bonsai pot creation. My appreciation grows as to how important they are in the overall bonsai artist’s composition.

[@EiseienBonsai]

Great video!

[@bonsaiempire]

Thanks Bjorn, very glad to hear you enjoyed it! Enjoy your time in Japan.

[@danoligverrel260]

Ein wirklich schönes Video. Handarbeit mit langer Tradition und von Generation zu Generation weitergegeben. Mal ein ehrliches Danke für diesen Beitrag und Einblick in die Herstellung.

[@nettai-enbonsai]

Very very good my friend!! Excellent video and production! Perfect! Thanks !

[@revital7459]

Beautiful

[@MarkSchmidt-w6s]

WOW! Such an amazing documentary. I love that workshop. So much character. Good soundtrack and filming.

[@bonsaiempire]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@JUSTENization]

Such beautiful workmanship.

[@davidjohnson7508]

What a beautiful video. We owe a lot to the those potters. And to those that came before them.

[@claudioestrada1671]

Oscar, I really loved this video. One can really see the artistry, the craftmanship, love and respect you put in this video. Yes please! More of this kind of videos! Your other videos are beautifull and I always look forward to see them but whit this you reached another level! Thank you. Regards from Sweden.

[@bonsaiempire]

Thanks a lot Claudio!

[@David-bc4rh]

I really love when a video is produced with such charm and is also educational and insightful.

[@bruhmanppdog6269]

The best documentary/film i’ve seen so far keep the good work up!

[@bunce888]

Absolutely amazing work Bonsai Empire

[@elishevasewing4456]

I wish this documentary would never end

[@dudemester]

This video is beautiful and relaxing. Thank you for the hard work guys.

[@xxFreakifyxx]

the finished pots with the bonsais in them were so beautiful that I cried

[@aykutersen]

It is perfect. Thanks for bringing this to us. It is pretty much fascinating to see the people of Japan being devoted to their works with such a dedication 🙏

[@yeremydiaz8439]

Man, i don´t know why such a amazing video can have dislikes. But it doesn´t matter, it is really an artwork. Greetings from Chile.

[@BellaDiGrazie]

Lovely !😊❤ The best ever ! Congratulations !❤😊

[@bonsaiempire]

Thank you so much!!

[@urbanchili]

So nice, that so many old handcrafts are kept alive in Japan.

[@AtticusGrim]

I can only hope to find something I love doing enough to practice for 25, 40 years. This is incredible.

[@themusicianmelody]

I apricot you showcasing a different shop for each subject

[@BonsaiBear27]

Amazing work!

[@bonsaigeum-hyeon8402]

Very interesting. Thank you!!!

[@Chercher4848]

Beautiful! The dedication & precise work that goes into making the pots is mind blowing. Your video production was spot on 👍

[@bonsaiempire]

Thank you so much 😀

[@inguracka]

To someone who wants to do pottery one day, this is treasure!

[@Peter-fo7md]

The chinese and japanese documents are just always so great, the product, the passion and the precision are breathtaking. How do they do it? I’m amazed.

[@jacopofasolo6018]

Amazing. I watched it twice in a row. It is so relaxing watching them creating such masterpieces. So inspirational.

[@bonsaiempire]

Thank you so much 😀

[@jacopofasolo6018]

@@bonsaiempire do you know if there is any book about Tokoname pot tradition and history you reccomend? Thanks!

[@mainherzschlag5956]

Thank you for that fantastic documentary! Makes me understand why some pots are more expensive. After watching we should all know, that these are worth it. I love the passion! :)

[@Bikestyle4.0]

for me is this you best production ! Super Schnitt und Sound :-) grüsse aus Heidelberg

[@saniarao7250]

Favorite channel .💚💙💜

[@adrianomaly1760]

Thank you so much for the time and dedication that went into making this video! I am a potter myself and I absolutely loved it!!

[@bonsaiempire]

Thanks!

[@AmandaJV248]

Such dedication to their craft. Thank you.

[@Egor-Arung]

I respect the masters of pottery 🙏

[@chrisswales1174]

Brilliant video. Masters at work.

[@bonsaiempire]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bonedaddyd9312]

Absolutly awesome craftsmen

[@andrewbleeker4177]

Many thanks for a great video. I hope that one day I would be afforded the opportunity to be able to travel to shops like this. It would be a privilege and honour to meet and talk to real craftsman like those in Your video.

[@rogercarroll1663]

Wonderful. Beautiful work.

[@waynedavis6171]

Fantastic insight into the process!

[@cyrilbonnet8023]

just awesome extraordinaire to see that type of film

[@maro-bidet]

Amazing skill. Proper Artisans have all my respect.

[@sesztakistvan1659]

Excellent documentary! Realy good work quys and thanks for this video. I'm simply fascinated about masters respect for the clay for the whole process of making the pot and their techniques. More vids like that guys.

[@brianappletree]

Fantastic video

[@tomhuijben1073]

This is absolutely beautiful! Thank you so much for putting the time and effort into making this video!

[@dougpeterson7981]

Very interesting in seeing all the different processes from these Masters of their trades - very cool.

[@steveanacorteswa3979]

When you pay a lot of money for your pot, you now know how much work and experience went into it.

[@bonsaiempire]

Exactly!

[@briankavanagh7191]

Superb video, Masters at work

[@gaslitworldf.melissab2897]

I love, admire and respect craftsman so much. Despite their skill, changing times always threaten their livelihood through ups and downs. I hope that as people become wealthier they will return to our love of finely made goods, goods made with love and pride. When I see a craftsman put his mark on his work, that tells me everything about why I love manmade things. Why would a robot put a stamp on its work? No need. No identity.

[@lukthere2]

what an amazing video. THank you for the effort. Such amazing masters..

[@bonsaiempire]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@abhik5348]

Too good.....thanks

[@michaeluchida5617]

Excellent information. Thanks for posting.

[@JB-uj8mz]

Loved this! 🔥🔥🔥

[@flyingdutchman9961]

Love this film to not be dubbed but subbed. That's the only right way to go :)

[@ChristianMercadoAcevedo]

outstanding production

[@Gorrash]

I wish i could do something like that as a living, my dream it's to live as an artist :D making beautiful and carefully made stuff for people to admire

[@Ashtarte3D]

Awesome video. I love seeing the kind of amazing craftsmanship that goes into something like making pottery. I had no idea how involved the process was.

[@philtudor6079]

WOW!!!! . . . Such an amazing and very interesting video. Each and every bonsai video I watch just makes my heart grow fonder. I've been dedicated to bonsai for many years, yet I've still so much to learn.

[@DragongodZenos]

but does he use the ashes from the bottom of spiral lake?

[@taephy6742]

Great video! Really love it. Please do more, thank you.

[@gurucarcar]

Masters indeed! Loved seeing them doing their magic.

[@ginoyang5062]

I didn't skip a single second, beautiful video!

[@shaahidally769]

Awesome video. Keep up the great work.

[@mtate]

What a lovely video. Does anyone know what the music during the glazing segment is?

[@miiks...5...3...9...]

very wholesome video

[@pedrojodiazhaces1868]

Fantástico vídeo. Gracias!

[@gabiglaezer8685]

Beautiful work! I very much enjoyed watching this video, thank you for sharing!

[@jimbersmcimbers]

Astounding

[@diavalus]

Before this video I was thinking that bonsai pots are expensive. Now, after watching it, I no longer think that. I'll happily pay the money.

[@maybemore2010]

Amazing. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@SILVESTER12353]

Good job sir

[@mmjnice97]

Non of the Potters said what kind of clay they were using.. I've been into bonsai for 4 years now and I already had daily access to a Pottery studio because my mother has everything I need including Clay fire kilm ,,wheels and the like.. but she and I haven't made bonsai pot's and it's very important that if the pot freezes it will not break or explode into 20 little pieces.. I'm using 266 and 112 right now.. guess I'll see how it goes this winter.. cheers my fellow Potters and bonsai artists!

[@bonsaiempire]

We have a separate film on the clay atelier - with more info!

[@vienle9808]

great the video, i readly enjoy all. Thanks you so much

[@kevinparker461]

Some special skills there, and by the looks of the guys age soon to be lost!. I hope there are some young people being taught the trade.

[@wilsonvicente1515]

Fantástico lindo trabalho

[@zambimaru]

Great video. Do more about Pots.

[@Himmel.bonsai]

Great the video. Thank you so much

[@mubonsai5374]

I really like the content of this video, thank you

[@MauricioVarelaE]

Outstanding work! I love this video!

[@makaylaenjoli4350]

This is so cool

[@宮島五葉]

常滑を代表する作家さんの貴重な映像を拝見しました。ありがとうございます。また、最後の場面、渡辺壱興さんの鉢を使った私（宮島五葉：miyajimagoyou）の席飾りを使っていただきました。ありがとうございます。

[@thePronto]

Took a break from doing my taxes. This video was a perfect tonic.

[@rialin]

beautiful documentary!!! i'd love to see more content like this. i'm also very intrigued by how this art was passed down through fathers. i wonder if these men were able to pass their skills down to their children? also curious about daughters. :)

[@betulaobscura]

You may also make some video about legendary pots made in Yixing, China.

[@nemormverjet]

Gorgeous, congrats on video.

[@gsr7772]

Wonderful video!!!