Tokoname Ware Oval Large Water Basin (Ideal for Water Lily or Medaka Fish Bowls)

This is a rare, large, oval ceramic pot, believed to be Tokoname ware, a traditional craft of Aichi Prefecture.
The interior is finished with an emerald green glaze, and the sides feature embossed bird and plant motifs in a floral and avian pattern. There is a drainage hole at one point on the bottom (Image 2).
Based on its appearance, including dirt and scuff marks, it appears to be old, but the exact age is unknown.
Although it has a drainage hole, it is likely it was used as a water basin for water lilies, goldfish, or medaka. Due to its oval shape and drainage hole, it is unclear if it was used as a pitangame (a type of ceramic jar).

There are several ceramic companies in Tokoname, and one example is Howa Pottery Co., Ltd. (ほうわせいとう), a long-established manufacturer founded in 1892 (Meiji 25) that inherits the tradition of Tokoname ware, one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns. However, it is unknown if this pot is from this company. Tokoname ware began in the Heian period, is well-known for its teapots, and since the Meiji era, the production of large planters and water basins has also been active.

Approximate dimensions are as follows:
Rim length: Outer diameter 70 cm, Inner diameter 57 cm
Rim width: Outer diameter 56.5 cm, Inner diameter 44.5 cm
Height: 28 cm
Base length: 46.5 cm
Base width: 35 cm
Weight: Estimated to be over 30 kg (not yet weighed).

To check for water leakage, a wine cork was used for the drainage hole. Since the used cork had a hole from an opener, it was wrapped with two to three layers of plastic. The pot was then filled with water (Images 15, 16) and left overnight. There was almost no change in the water level, but as expected, the cork was not completely watertight with this method, and slight seepage was observed on the outside of the drainage hole. No leaks or seepage were confirmed elsewhere on the pot.

This is a rare, large, oval Japanese ceramic pot with embossed floral and avian patterns, exuding a strong presence. It is ideal for creating a biotope for aquatic life, raising medaka, goldfish, water lilies, lotus, water hyacinths, etc. It can also be used without water as a large bonsai pot for gardening, as a decorative accent in the garden, and for various other purposes.
If used as a water basin, please use a complete stopper for the drainage hole.