Bonsaify | Learning About These Details Will Make Your Bonsai Pots Better!

Do you want to try your hand at making bonsai pots? In this video Eric goes through a number of details that are key to making sure that your are successful in capturing the feeling of a bonsai pot. The creative expression is all up to you, just adhere to these conventions!

0:02 What makes a bonsai pot a bonsai pot?
1:02 Eric talks about a pot he made in 2006 and why the square hole is not ideal.
2:45 This pot has no feet! Because there are no gaps in the bottom lip it may cause ponding of water in wet conditions.
3:42 The usability of this pot is impacted by the weak appearance of the rim - a wider rim would give it much more presence in the composition.
4:30 Using two similar square pots, Eric discusses how the small details can make a difference. One pot has mostly straight lines while the other uses gentle curves to accomplish a wider lip and more character.
6:18 All about feet! Nearly all bonsai pots have feet, the foot is both practical and aesthetic.
7:36 Second example of feet, created by trimming a thrown pot.
8:25 Eric describes how cutouts can fall short of creating the look of a foot, and instead just create small gaps that are functional, but don't make the feet look good.
9:30 Example of incorporating a motif into the foot design.
10:30 Eric discusses two pots that don't follow the rule that the wall of the pot should be leaning outward and how it makes them seem to not be a bonsai pot.
12:10 The hole pattern of this pot causes a lot more work when using it!
12:53 Raised lips at the edge of drainage holes from incomplete clay work can cause health problems in the plants.
13:40 Eric talks about how no glaze goes on the inside of a bonsai pot more than 1/4" below the rim.
14:35 An example of good looking feet that are not functional. Be sure to leave vertical room for tie wires.
16:50 Eric discusses adapting common shapes and whether or not this will be successful, using a sake cup as an unsuccessful example.

If you're an aspiring bonsai potter share some of your work with Bonsaify!
Have tips for everyone that we didn't think of? Share them in the comments below!