AusBonsai

Has anybody used this website to buy pots?
http://www.tokoname.or.jp

Is there better, cheaper way to get Tokoname pots in Australia?

Symon

Hi Symon,

I used that site last year. Postage seemed expensive relative to other things I've bought online. I did by two large shallow oval pots so it could have been the shape that contributed to the cost.

Not sure about question number 2 other than occasional things popping up on ebay.

Cheers,
Nigel

Thanks Nigel. Are you happy with the pots?
The pots I want are in the 300-400mm range so postage won't be cheap. I found an Australian Tokoname shop on ebay, but I think it still works out cheaper if you buy direct and ship by sea.

Cheers,
Symon

delisea wrote:Has anybody used this website to buy pots?
http://www.tokoname.or.jp

Is there better, cheaper way to get Tokoname pots in Australia?

Symon

Hi Symon, I think I've bought stuff from them before from their catalogue. If you click on their catalogue picture and download it http://www.tokoname.or.jp/bonsai/catalog.htm I think shipping is expensive depending on the size of the package, the larger and heavier the more expensive. In my opinion Its better to go to Japan and bring back the big pots (larger than 60+cm). From memory, they package pretty well which in my opinion is very important. I'd rather pay that bit extra for good professional packaging and insurance because some Australia Post and its contractors are shockers when it comes to handling packages. I don't know if its the same Tokoname guy is still there, but when I emailed their address, they always got back to me within maybe 1 to 3 days. I do remember that they said that some pots wont be available for months and you have to wait until they fire their kilns. Also, you most likely wont get a perfect 10 out of 10 pot in terms of glazing. Its just the nature of ceramics I'm afraid.

Cheers Edward

delisea wrote:Thanks Nigel. Are you happy with the pots?

I am

what about breakage ? The only way to be assured of getting a undamaged pot was to order though David Rojo.

Firstly they are new pots. Most eBay sellers deal in used gear.

Postage isn't the cheapest but they usually double box and pack the pots really well so it's almost impossible for Australia post to damage them.

Their service is great and they are easy to deal with.

Thanks Jow and Mr Scissorhands, that's makes three thumbs up. I'll give it a go.
Cheers,
Symon

I'll be in the Tokoname Pottery village on Monday and Tuesday... Just saying...

Regards,
Steven

Bought from them before and loved the pots!
They were incredibly well packaged, never seen anything like it.

Hi Steven,
Some photos to reduce my productivity at work on Wednesday would be great.
Cheers,
Symon

Postage is expensive but safe. ($150~)
I bought 2 large pots last year on a Thursday and were on my doorstep Monday.
They were packed so well, they would have survived being dropped.

I've purchased from Takeyoshi a few times - service is excellent as I find typical of most Japanese! Extremely well packaged. Postage is not cheap but that's out of their hands, international shipping rates for bulky items is not cheap. He usually offers you a choice of 3 shipping methods - long and risky = cheaper, quick and tracking = more expensive. I usually go for the in between!

Heres a tip - he will try and fit as much as he can 'safely' into one box, so if you buy a few pots that can nest into each other it may make postage more cost efficient.

Steven wrote:I'll be in the Tokoname Pottery village on Monday and Tuesday... Just saying...

Regards,
Steven

Has anyone bought the catalogue from tokoname.or.jp. At about $45 it sounds ok considering it has 10000 bonsai pots catalogued with pricing!

Theo


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