Ittel Bonsai Pottery
Introduction The word "bonsai" comes from the Japanese words "bon" (pot) and "sai" (tree) and literally means "tree in a pot". Most individuals who use the term bonsai are referring to the tree, but from the name, it is clear that the pot or container is essential to complete the bonsai whole. In bonsai, the container or pot is almost always ceramic. The pot must be carefully matched to the tree in size, style, color and "gender." The pot should complement the tree and not draw attention to itself rather than the tree or the total composition. Inexpensive pots are used for initial training but nicely trained trees deserve nice pots. Trees grow and change in style, so as a tree matures, the "perfect pot" may change. As a result, there is a saying in the bonsai community that one can never have too many pots. The corollary is that one never has the right pot for a given tree after a restyling. There are several bonsai styles that do not employ ceramic pots. Those include single trees or forest plantings on rough stone slabs or, more recently, synthetic slabs from ciment fondue or fiberglass. Trees clinging to rocks are another familiar theme in bonsai; the stone may or may not be placed in a ceramic pot or suiban. Chinese penjing often employs marble slabs carved into shallow oval or rectangular trays. Bonsai is often viewed as a very traditional art bound by many rules instituted or codified by the Japanese. These traditions are an important underpinning of bonsai and it is wise to understand the rules and why they exist. There are many books that will guide the beginner through the intricacies of bonsai. All art is based upon balance and composition, but bonsai includes the additional aspect of a living and growing organism. To understand the rules is critical, but bonsai is also an evolving art, not only in the growth of its trees, but also in the evolution of its artistry. Very traditional styles can stand side by side with modern or even abstract works. See the wonderful article "Bonsai Containers as Ceramic Art" by Fred Aufschläger for a description of bonsai and pot styles and how they relate to one another.
Tiny contemporary pot.
A huge classic pot.
The Art of Bonsai Pottery by Steve Ittel
Introduction The word "bonsai" comes from the Japanese words "bon" (pot) and "sai" (tree) and literally means "tree in a pot". Most individuals who use the term bonsai are referring to the tree, but from the name, it is clear that the pot or container is essential to complete the bonsai whole. In bonsai, the container or pot is almost always ceramic. The pot must be carefully matched to the tree in size, style, color and "gender." The pot should complement the tree and not draw attention to itself rather than the tree or the total composition. Inexpensive pots are used for initial training but nicely trained trees deserve nice pots. Trees grow and change in style, so as a tree matures, the "perfect pot" may change. As a result, there is a saying in the bonsai community that one can never have too many pots. The corollary is that one never has the right pot for a given tree after a restyling. There are several bonsai styles that do not employ ceramic pots. Those include single trees or forest plantings on rough stone slabs or, more recently, synthetic slabs from ciment fondue or fiberglass. Trees clinging to rocks are another familiar theme in bonsai; the stone may or may not be placed in a ceramic pot or suiban. Chinese penjing often employs marble slabs carved into shallow oval or rectangular trays. Bonsai is often viewed as a very traditional art bound by many rules instituted or codified by the Japanese. These traditions are an important underpinning of bonsai and it is wise to understand the rules and why they exist. There are many books that will guide the beginner through the intricacies of bonsai. All art is based upon balance and composition, but bonsai includes the additional aspect of a living and growing organism. To understand the rules is critical, but bonsai is also an evolving art, not only in the growth of its trees, but also in the evolution of its artistry. Very traditional styles can stand side by side with modern or even abstract works. See the wonderful article "Bonsai Containers as Ceramic Art" by Fred Aufschläger for a description of bonsai and pot styles and how they relate to one another.
Tiny contemporary pot.
A huge classic pot.
Modern pot as contemporary art
The Art of Bonsai Pottery by Steve Ittel