This sinuous shimpaku by Boon Manakitivipart (Bonsai Boon) is an excellent example of how to harmonize a tree with a pot. Not only does the rusty orange/tan (what is that color called?) pot color highlight the cinnamon colored bark, but the soft curves of pot enhance the trunk’s soft curves as well as the overall soft roundness of the foliage. As an added touch, the high shine on the pot helps bring out the bark’s almost glowing quality. Altogether a very sweet effect.

What do you think?
I’m not an expert and my opinion is just my opinion (opinions are like belly buttons…). If you look at the pot choices by the old Japanese Masters in Bonsai Today, you won’t always find ones as simple to understand as this one seems to be. Sometimes the choices of pots (and other things) seem counter intuitive, which leads me to believe that bonsai, like any true art, possess subtle layers that can push our understanding if we take the time to explore.

Rare, out of print issues of Bonsai Today
For years we’ve been buying back old out of print issues of Bonsai Today, sticking them on some shelves in our office and waiting for people that are looking for them to call. Now, finally, we’ve decided to start selling them a little more actively by putting them up on Stone Lantern. They aren’t all up yet, but so far the ones that are have been selling very quickly. Some are already gone, so don’t procrastinate if you want to fill out your collection.