Some questions regarding quality and unconventional shapes

[Livu]

Hi all,

I've been practicing making planters in my little pottery studio and I'm a little bit obsessed with forms that almost look like they could be naturally formed.
Here is some examples of what I've made:


I wanted to ask all you bonsai professionals, what determines quality for you in your bonsai pots and is there a market for shapes like these?
Do you have any recommendations for me, so that I could adhere to the rules of bonsai pottery whilst also being able to express my own forms?
I've read that adding thin segmented lines to the inside of bonsai pots can prevent plants becoming rootbound and promote healthy root development, but I am not sure that all bonsai collectors would appreciate such an addition.

In terms of firing and clay, I use high fire stoneware, which tends to be much denser as well as frost resistant.

Thanks everyone!

 

[PABonsai]

I can't offer any advice on styles, but I would say having adequate drainage holes is a must, along with feet and flat bottoms to ensure drainage, plus holes for wiring. Also that middle one is really cool.

 

[BunjaeKorea]

Feet are important. The second pot is quite fetching for a small cascade

 

[Vance Wood]

You are asking for opinions based on taste and may not be opinions based on the obscure rules of bonsai if you can find them. In general a pot used for bonsai must not distract from the image of the tree. In bonsai, the Japanese element is very subtle, the Chinese element may be a bit more flamboyant and other Asian influences may be found all over the place. So do your own thing as long as you can live with the criticism you may receive if and when you cross the line in the minds of some.

 

[Shibui]

Bonsai pots should have:
.Feet to raise the base of the pot so water will drain out easily.
.Good drain hole(s) in the base of the pot. More holes for wider containers.
.Extra smaller holes in the base for wire tiedowns if the pot only has 1 drain hole. Extra wire holes are appreciated by many growers even if there are several drain holes.
.Fired to stoneware so they are water and frost resistant.
.Unglazed inside.

Unglazed pots are generally associated with evergreen trees. Glazed pots are used with deciduous and flowering/fruiting species where the owner can complement the tree's special colors.
Colours and shapes are very personal preferences. Many bonsai growers prefer traditional shapes and style but there's always a few who love something different. You may also find that everyone will want any particular pot in just a slightly different color or size than you have made it.

You may be able to make inside scored pots a selling point but I would not bother with scoring inside. It may divert some roots but the pot will still end up full of roots.

 

[leatherback]

to add to the comments above.. Most bonsai pots are MUCH wider than tall.
Especially if you go with natural looking rock-pots, avoid the pot looking like a rock, but rather shape it like a sheet.

 

[AJL]

I like the look of your pots particularly numbers 2&3
Im not convinced if the idea of adding thin segmented lines to the inside of bonsai pots can prevent plants becoming rootbound and promote healthy root development, as the tree roots will continue to grow and fill the pot irrespective. In fact it could become a real pain when you come to repot as the roots could stick into the lines inside the pot and might cause the pot to be broken when attempting to prise the tree out.

 

[sorce]

Feet aren't necessary.

In a final display.....

Suitable is the only necessity.

That said, there is a market for anything, "how large" and "for how long" may be more important questions.

Welcome to Crazy!

Sorce