Nakawatari, China

A beautiful large antique bonsai pot in a rare shape for the era - a generous oval design - in an exquisite Shidei / purple clay that is covered in patina.

This Nakawatari period piece was made from Shidei (purple clay) - an iron rich clay that antique Chinese pots are so revered for. The mineral rich clay has longer depleted, so potters have added colourants and additives to try to emulate this natural clay since.

At over 40cm, this large antique pot has a rare yet timeless shibui design. Gentle curved walls softly incline, and banding in relief to the base compliments the horizontal lines of the lip to the rim.

Nakawatari, or 'middle crossing' refers to antique Chinese bonsai pots imported from China to Japan between 1800 to 1911. Nakawatari pots are often rectangular or round, with deeper ovals such as this being quite rare.

Condition: Excellent.

Maximum measurements (External): 42cm x 30.4cm x 10.4cm.

Nakawatari, China.