Pot type question

[mattspinniken]

I am completely obsessed with trees but really know almost nothing about pots. I am starting to get to a point that I need some nice pots. Although I don't know much about I am picky in what I like. I really like simple squared off pots like the one I have pictured. Is there a name for pots like this with this style? Pic is from Bill V's blog.... he posted some great pics recently of his trip to Japan.

Does anyone have tips on finding pots like this with this simple squared off shape? Or maybe I should try and teach myself to make some.

 

[yenling83]

Hey Matt! There are names for certain specific names for shapes, but generally speaking most people just refer to the pots by the name of the shape. So I would just call that that an unglazed rectangle-a very simple unglazed rectangle. Many pot shapes are modeled after the first containers made in China hundreds of years ago. I have an antique Chinese pot (Nakawatari) in that exact shape. Often new quality pots make in Japan are still modeled after antique Chinese containers, but there are tons of variations as well.

Selecting a pot really comes down to personal preference, it's very subjective. I would recommend purchasing from Matt Owinga, through his ebay store, contacting him directly or through the facebook bonsai auction group. Michael Ryan Bell has some for sale as well, or you can just scan through Ebay to check some out. A great "Bang for your buck" type of pot in classical shapes are made in the Tokoname Regiona of Japan. Maybe try typing Tokoname into an ebay search, these are good quality pots made in Japan. Modern Chinese are lower quality than Tokoname, but some are close and very inexpensive if you find the right person to buy from. Antique Chinese and from certain Japanese makers like Gyouzan are much more expensive but great quality and may have nice patina and age to them.

If you want to learn more about ceramic containers, this is prob the best resource online.

https://japanesebonsaipots.net/

 

[mattspinniken]

Thanks @yenling83 this is exactly the info I was looking for and I appreciate you taking the time to post it. It's a good time of year to scour the internet for pots.

 

[Tieball]

Hey Matt! There are names for certain specific names for shapes, but generally speaking most people just refer to the pots by the name of the shape. So I would just call that that an unglazed rectangle-a very simple unglazed rectangle. Many pot shapes are modeled after the first containers made in China hundreds of years ago. I have an antique Chinese pot (Nakawatari) in that exact shape. Often new quality pots make in Japan are still modeled after antique Chinese containers, but there are tons of variations as well.

Selecting a pot really comes down to personal preference, it's very subjective. I would recommend purchasing from Matt Owinga, through his ebay store, contacting him directly or through the facebook bonsai auction group. Michael Ryan Bell has some for sale as well, or you can just scan through Ebay to check some out. A great "Bang for your buck" type of pot in classical shapes are made in the Tokoname Regiona of Japan. Maybe try typing Tokoname into an ebay search, these are good quality pots made in Japan. Modern Chinese are lower quality than Tokoname, but some are close and very inexpensive if you find the right person to buy from. Antique Chinese and from certain Japanese makers like Gyouzan are much more expensive but great quality and may have nice patina and age to them.

If you want to learn more about ceramic containers, this is prob the best resource online.

https://japanesebonsaipots.net/

Good information....especially in the second paragraph. Hmmmmmm.....I'm never certain of what I'd be buying online....quality and certainty in color (my iPad may have differing coloration). However....good information that I should check out too.

I haven't seen many square sided pots....but I think they are very interesting and complimentary to the right tree. I like that gray color you posted with the photo.

 

[crust]

I suggest blowing off the asian pottery thing and it's whole gammit of baggage. Buy from the many up and coming or established bonsai potters right here where we live. I have Pots I commissioned from a local no name Potter in my town that are 30 years old, elegant and tough as nails. I have had numerous problems with Asian pots-they are not designed to handle our climate. choosing a pot can be analysed with some guidelines oft repeated in books-proportions described by Degroot are pretty good. Many Americans do a poor job with pairing. best way to learn is study pictures and view good pairings. Bring a tape measure. buy some pots.

 

[Anthony]

You can also learn to make your own pots.
You can order a catalogue from Tokoname, or used to be able to.
Good Day
Anthony

* The one you have illustrated is just a simple - slab built - pot.
Very easy to do.

 

[Tieball]

I suggest blowing off the asian pottery thing and it's whole gammit of baggage. Buy from the many up and coming or established bonsai potters right here where we live. I have Pots I commissioned from a local no name Potter in my town that are 30 years old, elegant and tough as nails. I have had numerous problems with Asian pots-they are not designed to handle our climate. choosing a pot can be analysed with some guidelines oft repeated in books-proportions described by Degroot are pretty good. Many Americans do a poor job with pairing. best way to learn is study pictures and view good pairings. Bring a tape measure. buy some pots.

Good idea. I think your climate comment is very true.....especially for those of us in the frozen-winter areas. Winter-tolerant definitions vary a lot....there are even definition differences here in the states. I need to find a potter around me so I can see their work and talk to the person......Perhaps at a local or regional bonsai show....someone climate familiar.