F I R S T   P L A C E

E V O L V E D
C U T - C O R N E R
​R E C T A N G L E
Traditional Unglazed

NAO TOKUTAKE
​TOKUTAKE BONSAI
Oregon, USA
​2025

6.5 x 15.75 x 13.5 inches
Custom American Hakudei Clay
Handbuilt, Slab and Coil Construction, Cone 10 Reduction
Inverted Cut-Corner Rectangle with Windowpane
Double-Arched Floor, Cloud Feet

This pot traces the evolution of the cut-corner rectangle with window pane from its origins in China, through its development in Japan, and finally proposes a vision for 21st century America.

The double-arched floor and hakudei clay remind us of the Chinese origins of the cut corner rectangle. The yellow clay was formulated to mimic old Chinese clay using modern American materials. The double-arched floor led to an innovative integrated foot+hole design and better drainage than a flat floor.

​This pot was hand built with traditional Tokoname slab and coil techniques. The kakibera method formed the top rim and to cut the mizukiri. The conventional window pane was distorted to enhance the pot’s dynamism.

​To convey the boundless potential of America, the traditional cut corners are inverted outward. This inversion created a unique inflated rectangle with prominent corners to frame the tree. The traditional cloud feet have raised scrollwork to balance the visual complexity of the pot above.

A B O U T   N A O   T O K U T A K E

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