Hirato-Yaki peacock pot. This pot may be from as far back as 1598. 22 inches (59cm) across the top. That’s a very large pot. From Bonsai Today issue 61.
Pot lovers?
We don’t get much response when we post pots. I guess powerful old bonsai or flashy flowering trees excite people more. Still, pots are the other half of bonsai, and the best pots rise to the level of fine art.
Where are the trees?
Maybe the reason people don’t show much interest in these fine art type pots is that they are almost always empty. Sometimes you see these kinds of pots with companion plants, but almost never with a bonsai tree gracing their beauty.
Subtle beauty, fine art. This one is from our Japanese mystery book. The uneven top adds a touch of wabi sabi. It’s 13.5cm (5.3 inches) across the opening.
Subtle beauty, fine art with bright flowers. What could you ever plant in this pot? 4 inches (10cm) across the top. From our mystery book.
We featured this one back in May, but just in case you missed it….
Alsome old pots I love to collect and use antique pots myself. I have a few from the 1750 1810 period sitting around just waiting for the right bonsai tree to use in it. I found a large one at an antique show once over 2 feet 8 inches wide and 19 inches front to back by 4 1/2 inches deep with a dripping blue glaze with a flower pattern on it. The person that I got it from used it as a tea table with a tile top when the legs broke she sold it. I jumped on it so fast it is from the late 1790’s period very kool. I have bonsai trees that have been in my family since the early 1900’s and still going strong. I just don’t have anyone left to train to care for them someday when I’m gone sorry to say.
Thanks Lester,
Send a photo if you get a chance.
I think the reason we don’t much use these beautiful pots is because there is a question of dominance – the tree or the pot?
Hi Maggie,
Yeah. Agreed. I think it takes just the right tree and the eye to know that tree when you see it.
Just found this site amongst the many out there. I`m very much a pot lover too, though that has come about from my earlier interest in bonsai. I think a renaissance in ornate pots would bring some real fresh images to modern bonsai. I`m currently working on some (i think) impressive pine and juniper shohin bonsai that will live their lives in sometsuke pots. the pots above are truly gorgeous. I`d be a happy chap if they were sat around waiting for trees at my place :)