Is it appropriate to show a tree in a kintsugi repaired pot?

[PaulH]

I have several quality pots that, oaf that I am, have been broken. I repaired them with the epoxy and gold mica faux kintsugi method. Is it appropriate to use them for a tree in a major show?

 

[rockm]

Well yeah don’t see why not. but structurally might be an issue depending on the stent of the repair. Trees in shows have to be watered…

@lieuz will probably know best about how a lot may stand up to that.

 

[BrightsideB]

I would imagine as long as it harmonizes with the tree. But kintsugi has a philosophy besides just the repair which I’d imagine has bearing. Rather than hiding, it exemplifies the repair with gold or a rare metal (I could see that working with the aesthetics of a specific tree or not). It celebrates impermanence and extends the life of the vessel in a visible way. I tend to think most would not like the repair taking away from the tree. As it may seem distracting. But the significance behind the meaning of the repair holds weight as well in an entire composition. I tend to think an accent pot would be easier to work with.

 

[Attmos]

It does seem like the quality of pot is overemphasized by some. Personally, I can see that a complimentary pot would be worth repairing. It sounds like something I'd do as long as the tree is supported.

 

[Dav4]

My first reaction was “ Of course! An old, scarred tree in an old, scarred pot would be perfect.” After a moment of thought, I’d add that subtle repair work on the pot would be preferable so as not to be too visually strong to overwhelm the tree.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

subtle repair work on the pot would be preferable so as not to be too visually strong to overwhelm the tree.

I was thinking along the same lines, particularly if you had a smaller tree that was flowering or fruiting, and which would tend to draw the eye away from the pot.

 

[rockm]

My first reaction was “ Of course! An old, scarred tree in an old, scarred pot would be perfect.” After a moment of thought, I’d add that subtle repair work on the pot would be preferable so as not to be too visually strong to overwhelm the tree.

I think it depends on the pot and the show. An old nakawatari or kowatari or old Chinese pot with an old professional repair better have a tree in it that compares to the pot and complements it. Many old pots with repairs are valued specifically because they carry subtle power that doesn’t overwhelm but lends age to the tree. Newer pots can be a different story. If the pot and tree are in a show where people understand what they’re looking and, a home made repair may be quite distracting depending on how well it was pulled off.

 

[River's Edge]

it appropriate to use them for a tree in a major show?

Variables demand a " it depends" answer!
1. more likely acceptable if the quality of the pot is very high.
2. more likely it the pot pairs well with the quality of the tree.
3. More likely if the " major show" is right up there as well. ( given that the judges and audience may be more educated and understanding of the situation)
4. More likely if the repair is executed very well and is complementary as opposed to distracting.
5. It can add to the " character of the display" The tree and pot seen as one.
So I tend to agree with many comments above but it depends.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

I’d agree that it depends on quality of repair and how it fits into the overall composition.

 

[leatherback]

Of course one can.
Just needs to blend in the display and look well.

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

People are putting figurines in their bonsai displays and adding incense smokers to displays, and modern style scrolls in displays.. Metal containers, whole weird constructions, containerless displays..
Do it.
If you're in Japan, maybe not.
Anyplace else? Absolutely.

 

[bwaynef]

I thought that was basically the point of kintsugi repairs. If you're not going to show* it, why bother? Caveats for quality of the repair apply.


*both showing that the pot has been repaired, and using the pot in a show.

 

[rockm]

FWIW if the show you’re contemplating using this lot in is the Nationals be aware that there is an entire display of professionally done kintsugi planned

. @lieuz is putting a group of repaired pots into the exhibit. It’s part of the main juried show competition. Skip to last page of the page below

Thread 'Kintsugi Pot Repair'

Jan 25, 2023

I have quite a few small pots break on me through the years. IKEA was the last straw and pushed me off the fence and into action. I got some dinnerware delivered and a good 20% of the plates that came were broken. I got them replaced, they sent me more than what I ordered, but some still broke. That was when I said, OK, I need to try to repair these pieces, bonsai pots included. My pots that are broken range in value but they all have sentimental value.

I have done some research and I'm a traditionalist and wanted to go the route of lacquer over epoxy. It definitely takes a ton of time...

• lieuz
• kintsugi lacquer pot repair
• Replies: 207
• Forum: Pots

• 

 

[Attmos]

If pots are only used for shows or showing trees, are they stored somewhere until then?
Seems like there should be a way to appreciate the artwork in between shows.

 

[Attmos]

People are putting figurines in their bonsai displays and adding incense smokers to displays, and modern style scrolls in displays.. Metal containers, whole weird constructions, containerless displays..
Do it.
If you're in Japan, maybe not.
Anyplace else? Absolutely.

I've never been to a show, but I've seen pictures from a few people recently and I noticed a lot of decoration around the tree. Makes me wonder if these people might be in the wrong hobby.
If the tree isn't enough by itself, why grow them? lol

 

[blackadam]

Skip to last page of the page below

entire thread is worth checking, lot of great pictures

Makes me wonder if these people might be in the wrong hobby.

Trees are one part.. there is lot more
check old drawing artbooks, pictures, and also "tokonoma" and displaying trees

If the tree isn't enough by itself, why grow them?

rockm called bonsai "entry drug" to japanese art, if you get into the topic blame him

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

If pots are only used for shows or showing trees, are they stored somewhere until then?
Seems like there should be a way to appreciate the artwork in between shows.

Some people have shelves stuffed absolutely full of pots. I won’t say who…

 

[rockm]

Some people have shelves stuffed absolutely full of pots. I won’t say who…

ok I’ll raise my hand in acknowledging I have a lot problem as well. The spouse told me to move most of them outside.

 

[Paradox]

I would be concerned about the repair holding up to the watering and moving the tree around.

Some people have shelves stuffed absolutely full of pots. I won’t say who…

I finally got around to organizing mine last winter.
This is one of my pot shelves. Added a second one to organize the rest of my pots.
Decided Im going to try and not buy any more pots unless I have a tree for it.

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

I've never been to a show, but I've seen pictures from a few people recently and I noticed a lot of decoration around the tree. Makes me wonder if these people might be in the wrong hobby.
If the tree isn't enough by itself, why grow them? lol

Because it's fun and rocks are on display in the same show.
Rocks.. On display.. At a bonsai show.

Bonsai is a limited medium, and while I disagree with the use of figurines, I feel like a flashy pot or a well done display, or a well fitting scroll could add to the display.
People get a couple square meters of table space and a piece of backdrop, what they want to display is up to them.
All the trees at a show are wonderful, beautiful, well refined and well thought of. But after three or four shows I feel like there's a lack of soul sometimes.
There is no freestyle category, there is no "miniature tree that's not bonsai display show" so I'd much rather see the rows of rocks or scrolls replaced by something that involves plants.

Yes, the art was Japanese in the beginning, I believe it's time we try to accept that people have been making it their own for more than 50 years and allow more creativity. Otherwise it is no more than a craft, which wouldn't require shows; a picture would be enough.