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The importance of the pot in bonsai presentation
Claude Savard
CSCeramique
Many people overlook the importance of choosing the right pot for their bonsai. However, it is essential to consider this decision carefully. Often, they opt for an aesthetically pleasing pot, but without asking the crucial question...
<Will this pot enhance my bonsai?>
It's crucial not to underestimate the importance of this issue, as it plays a vital role in the visual balance of the bonsai. As a result, when we take photos of our bonsai trees, we often neglect to include the pot, or show only the first few centimetres of the top of the pot. However, to capture the true essence of the tree, it's essential to consider the whole picture, including the pot in the frame.
The pot is part of the overall image of the tree.
However, to better illustrate this point, let's take a concrete example: imagine you had bought a magnificent painting. Would you be willing to see only part of it? Certainly not! The same applies to bonsai trees. So pay particular attention to the pots in which they are placed.
The pot must be an integral part of the bonsai, like a frame on a canvas. It not only fulfils a technical function by housing the root system. It also helps to highlight the tree's characteristics.
Bonsai is a harmonious whole. Indeed, the Japanese have truly perfected this art, staging all the elements of a presentation with the sole aim of enhancing the tree on display.
By the way, remember: a bonsai tree should evoke the image of a mature tree, and the choice of pot should help create this image.
Balance problems.
In this case, the image only highlights the tree itself. However, it's difficult to judge the specific criterion the bonsaiist has sought to emphasize, as well as the proportions of the composition as a whole.
In the photo, the too-small pot accentuates the suffering of the tree, which seems to be wearing clothes that are too tight. This image depicts a situation of suffocation and oppression, underlining the urgent need to give the tree the space it needs to flourish and thrive.
In this image, the opposite is true: the pot is disproportionately large, the tree is lost and the whole lacks harmony.
The following photo illustrates a remarkable harmony between the hues of the pot and those of the tree trunks. The colors blend with striking elegance, creating a visually pleasing aesthetic.
The importance of pot selection
Through these examples, you can clearly see the importance of choosing the right pot for your tree, a consideration not to be overlooked.
Here are some basic criteria to consider when looking for the ideal pottery for your tree:
1. Is it a conifer or a deciduous tree?
2. Is it feminine or masculine ?
3. What aspect do you want to emphasize?
- The color or texture of the trunk.
- Foliage in summer or autumn.
- Flowers or fruit.
– Les « jins » ou les bois morts.
- And much more.
These criteria will help you choose the perfect pot for your bonsai tree.
It's essential to examine the overall appearance of the tree and find the image you want to emphasize, amplifying it with the choice of pot.