O pot : A Revolutionary Planter

Behold the O-Pot – a planter that commands attention with its rugged surface. While exuding strength, it also possesses an undeniable charm when adorned with plants. This unique creation is the brainchild of Takahito Sekiguchi, a ceramic artist who honed his craft in both Japan and the United States.

The O-Pot is a manifestation of Sekiguchi's lifelong fascination with nature, particularly rock textures. It also embodies the Japanese aesthetic of subtle asymmetry, as each piece is meticulously handcrafted to be slightly different from the rest.

Sekiguchi isn't just an artist – he's also a botanical garden owner. This dual expertise has enabled him to create a planter that's not only visually striking but also ideal for plant health.

Today, we're thrilled to introduce you to these extraordinary planters, born from Sekiguchi's innovative crackle technique perfected over years of dedication.

During his time at a prestigious Japanese art university, Sekiguchi focused on traditional pottery techniques. His path took an unexpected turn when he witnessed an American exchange student employing a crackle technique – a method that would later become the foundation of O-Pot. This encounter sparked a fascination that lingered throughout his artistic journey.

At a pivotal moment in his career, Sekiguchi seized an opportunity to study in Washington State, USA. This year-long residency would prove instrumental in shaping his artistic vision.

Sekiguchi's time in America was eye-opening. He was amazed to discover that American ceramics had evolved from Japanese influences, particularly the "Mingei movement" of the 1930s. The exchange of ideas between the two nations had fostered a rich, shared ceramic heritage.

However, America had developed its own unique ceramic culture. Sekiguchi recalls a pivotal moment at an American ceramics festival where he encountered an unfired, raw clay sculpture. "From a Japanese perspective, exhibiting such a piece would be unthinkable. When I asked the artist why they chose to display it, they simply said, 'Because it looks cool.' That moment liberated my thinking". Sekiguchi was struck by the American ethos of embracing what's good and creating what one loves.

The awe-inspiring landscape of Mount Rainier in Washington State left an indelible mark on Sekiguchi. Often called the "Tacoma Fuji" due to its resemblance to Japan's iconic mountain, Mount Rainier became a frequent source of inspiration.

"While lush forests and soil have their own beauty, I'm particularly drawn to the raw power of exposed rock formations. The way trees and mountains form around these rocky cores speaks to me of life's resilience," Sekiguchi explains.

This appreciation for rugged natural beauty was rooted in Sekiguchi's childhood in Saitama, Japan. Growing up near the famous Nagatoro area, known for its spectacular rock formations carved by the Arakawa River, Sekiguchi was surrounded by the very aesthetic that would later define his work.

Nagatoro, Saitama, Japan

The raw energy of these natural rock formations – from Mount Rainier to Nagatoro – is beautifully captured in every O-Pot. Sekiguchi's lifelong exposure to these landscapes has organically shaped his artistic style.

The name "O-Pot" was chosen to allow users the freedom to interpret and use the planter as they see fit.

"I wanted a name that wouldn't impose too much meaning," Sekiguchi explains. "I was drawn to the idea of using a symbol. Then I discovered that 'OLE' means 'mineral' when pronounced 'oh.' It felt perfect – symbolic yet meaningful." The name also plays on the term "OOPArt" (out-of-place artifact), encouraging users to make this unique pot their own.

The beauty of O-Pot lies in its versatility – it's a canvas for the owner's creativity and style.

In the final stages of crafting each O-Pot, Sekiguchi intentionally alters its shape by striking the base against a rock. This deliberate imperfection sets O-Pot apart from the symmetrical perfection often seen in mass-produced planters. "The appreciation for asymmetry is deeply rooted in Japanese culture," Sekiguchi notes. "From the tea bowls of the Momoyama period to Rimpa school paintings, there's a long tradition of finding beauty in subtle imbalance. I wanted to incorporate this aesthetic into O-Pot."

※The bonsai is for illustration purposes only. It is not included in the product.

O-Pot is suitable for a wide range of plants, including bonsai – an art form that epitomizes the beauty of controlled imperfection. Sekiguchi's unique perspective as both a ceramicist and plant enthusiast has culminated in the creation of O-Pot. "Plants and pots are often considered separately, but I believe they form a single, harmonious entity," he explains. "Through O-Pot, I hope to inspire people to explore the joy of pairing plants with the perfect container, and to appreciate O-Pot as a distinctive and imaginative planter in its own right."

We invite you to experience and cherish the artful asymmetry of each handcrafted O-Pot.

Each O-Pot is shaped by hand on a traditional potter's wheel, not an electric one. Sizes are intentionally approximate, allowing each piece to develop its unique character. This process results in subtle variations and asymmetry, embodying the Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetic.

During the shaping process, the base is pressed against a rock, creating a slightly elevated center. This clever design ensures optimal water drainage and distribution within the pot. The raised center also improves air circulation, making O-Pot exceptionally plant-friendly in terms of both drainage and aeration.

Inspired by the strainers in Japanese teapots, the base of each O-Pot features numerous small holes. This design eliminates the need for a separate drainage net, allowing you to pot your plants directly in the O-Pot.

Available in sizes: S / M / L

Each piece is handmade, so sizes may vary slightly.

The pot's basic form is created using a manual potter's wheel.

The surface is partially dried using a hairdryer to prepare it for the crackle effect.

The pot is further shaped and the signature crackle texture is added.

The base is struck against a rock to create a slight slope, enhancing drainage and aeration.

Numerous small holes are carefully punched in the base for optimal drainage.

After the first firing, ceramic pigments are meticulously applied to highlight the crackle texture.

A different ceramic pigment is evenly sprayed over the entire surface.

The pot undergoes its final firing to set the form and finish.

SEKIGUCHI TAKAHITO

After mastering traditional ceramic techniques at Japan's most prestigious art university, I ventured to America in search of new artistic horizons. There, I experienced firsthand the American spirit of embracing innovation and quality without being constrained by tradition. This experience made me realize how deeply I had been influenced by Japanese traditional techniques – for better and for worse.

O-Pot is a culmination of my reverence for nature and my appreciation for the Japanese aesthetic of subtle imperfection. I'm excited to see how people around the world will use and appreciate these pieces.