I agree with you about matte finish being more preferable. Though with my current photo setup, the pictures came out WAY more shiny than in person. Do you think they are still appropriate for displaying hosta? Thanks for the comments, I will try to order some dull finish glazes next time.
As Rockm said, those pots are perfect for any accent plant.
By the way, the pots by Horst Heinzlereiter show a glaze that is more subdued than the glaze on Jim's pots. That is what I prefer.
As you've said, it may be that the pictures you took, somewhat exagerate the shiny surfaces. But I remember seing those pots at the shohin convention, and they seemed just a tad too shiny for me, otherwise I would have bought a few myself. I always buy a pot or two Jim, whenever I have a chance.
But here is something that should be considered: if you start using those pots, I suspect that the patina caused by the exposure to the elements (sun, daily watering, etc) will give the siny surface a more silky appearance. The aging of the pots will improve them considerably. So, just keep them in use, and the "brand new" look will diminish.