I’ve been training this Japanese larch, Larix kaempferi, from a two- year bare root seedling for about six years. It has been trained in the two-line cascade style in a small square white glazed container. This preferred front is shown here but the back view of this bonsai is acceptable and might be used in a shohin bonsai composition if a different direction is required for eve movement Generally, I do not prefer tall cascade containers, primarily because I can’t figure out how to effectively display them…
Before potting-front
The original container is Japanese and did service well for the training years. But now is the time for an upgrade. I like to put good trees in good containers. The container quality was not up to my taste for a proper exhibition presentation.
Before potting- back
Container selection is very personal and important for creating an aesthetically pleasing bonsai impact. There are many factors to consider when choosing the “right” container including:
Size
Shape
Color
Texture
Horticultural requirements to successfully keep the tree alive (both in winter and summer)
Purpose (to sell or keep the bonsai)
How the bonsai is going to be displayed
Season for display is important. A deciduous species might look good in winter in a shallow container but not be massive enough in summer full leaf. I have several different containers of various colors for one bonsai and often the color is determined by the accessory color of the container or for composing a box table shohin bonsai display.
Finally consider the quality and respect the bonsai
Before potting- back
This topic is rarely discussed, as most hobbyists just want to keep the tree alive in the “correct” size, shape and color container. However, consider the quality as well. I can use an inexpensive $20 container or a finer quality $200 container. And, probably 80% of the bonsai hobbyists could not see the difference and most don’t even care or consider it important.
However, we are attempting to raise the level of bonsai and many subtle little-known factors are important, which beginners, as well as seasoned growers don’t realize or understand. They don’t have the background, taste or understanding to make such distinctions. They do select and use containers and teach. Of course, personal taste is important. Many times, I must think about the selection process, often putting several containers in front of the bonsai for several days or a week.
My apprentice, Brian Whitcomb wired the tree, and I made the final adjustments. But he used so much wire, which was necessary, on the tree that it would not stand upright. Annealed copper wire IS heavy, so a specific suitable container must be selected. I searched my studio and found a few containers, then two friends who have excellent taste went upstairs to my “special secret stash” and brought down several more. Later, another friend came downstairs with another container. I’m not allowed to go upstairs alone… All together we had over 15 suitable containers. Not all are shown here. Please note the small stone inserted to keep the tree upright during the selection process. My personal thoughts and tastes are included.
Container 2: American from Teresa Wooden from Michigan. The size and shape are good, but the painted dragon is a bit too colorful for this narrow leaf evergreen. I would use it for a flowering or fruiting species. Fine quality.
Container 5: Japanese container. Again, the size and shape are acceptable, even if a bit too large. And the bright blue glaze would contrast in early spring with the young emerging needs, But not the image for this tree. I do, however use blue glazed containers for this deciduous conifer. Fine quality.
Container 6: Japanese container of Tokoname-ware. I like the design and clay color; however, the container is a bit too deep for me. Very fine quality.
Container 7: Chinese production container. Size, and shape are good along with the rope belt design, but the yellow glaze is not the image I’m trying to present. Good quality.
Container 8: Japanese production container from Tokoname. Not all bonsai containers from Tokoname are high quality. Tokoname is well known for sewer tiles and tea pots. I could live with this container, but it is not the quality I’m looking for. Not high quality and thin.
Container 10: Japanese Tokoname ware from the Bigei Kiln. Every factor is perfect with this selection, except the size is too large. Very fine quality.
Container 11: Japanese production container. Size and shape are acceptable, but the color is too bright, besides this container has a prominent out lip which I prefer for deciduous species. But please consider I’m quite picky and have developed specific refinement tastes during my over 60 years of bonsai study. Although I do often use outer lip containers for evergreen species.
I must mention that ALL these containers would be suitable.
So, which one did I finally use? A round, unglazed container my third friend found. I also have photos on the table selections for a future time.
