Let's learn more about bonsai pots

In the previous journal, we introduced the suitable functions for bonsai pots. This time, to further delve into bonsai pots, let's look at them from a microscopic perspective, including their shape and composition.

 

First, regarding shape. Bonsai pots can be classified into the following nine types based on their form.

• Oval pot
• Round pot
• Rectangular pot
• Square pot
• Hexagonal pot
• Plum-shaped pot or Quince-shaped pot (mokkōbachi)
• Bag-style pot
• Lower-shaped pot
• Creative pot

Bag-style

 

Plum-shaped

 

Lower-shaped

 

The bonsai pot is composed of the following parts:

• Rim
• Corner or edge
• Body
• Bottom
• Foot

 

There are three additional types of rims.

• Inward rim: The rim is folded inward on the pot's interior, making it difficult for the bonsai contents to fall out.
• Outward rim: The rim extends outward from the pot's exterior.
• Single-rimmed (Hitoeguchi) or Straight-rimmed (Kittate): The rim is neither curved inward nor flared outward.

In addition to the above three types, there are also “beaded rims” (Tamaberi), where the outer rim forms a beaded shape, and “rope-edged rims” (Nawaberi), where the outer rim has a rope-like texture.

 

Corners also have different types, such as:

• Right-angled
• Inward-angled or recessed corner: where the corner part is indented inward
• Rounded corner
• Beveled corner: where the corner is cut diagonally
  

These are representative examples.

 

There are even more types of bodies.

• Taiko: Drums featuring rivets like those found on Japanese taiko drums.
• Tetsubatsu: Drums shaped like the bowls monks use to receive alms during tōbatsu.
• Kittate: Cylindrical drums with a straight, steep slope from the waist to the rim.
• Wannari/Wan'gata: Drums shaped like a rice bowl.
• Bag-shaped: Narrow at both ends with a bulging middle section
• Jin-gasa: Resembles an inverted cone
• Riveted: Features rivets on the body
• Kurama: Deformed with no rim

 

Additionally, there are different types of patterns carved into the body.

• Framed: Features a square window-like carving on the body
• Window-style: Features a window-like design in the same area
• Belt/Body Cord: Features a carving resembling a belt cord wrapped around the body
• Carved Design: Features carvings of landscape paintings or various patterns on the body

 

Let's also look at the types of feet. The feet of a bonsai pot are called a high foot (kōdai) and are short.

• Cut feet (kiriashi): Commonly seen square feet
• Tiered feet (dānashi): Feet with a two-tiered structure
• Cloud feet (kumomashi): Feet decorated with spider-like patterns
• Demon-face feet (kimen-ashi): Feet shaped like demon faces
• Fuji-ashi: Feet shaped like Mount Fuji

 

We've covered quite a bit. That concludes the structure.
Now let's look at color, which greatly affects the appearance of bonsai pots.
Broadly speaking, there are two main types:

• Unglazed pots: Those that utilize the natural color of the clay without glaze
• Glazed pots: Those finished with glaze for vivid, colorful results

And among clay types, there are further classifications as follows:

• Bird Clay: A burnt brown color that highlights the natural earthy tone
• Vermilion Clay: An iron rust color
• Green Clay: A greenish hue
• Peach Blossom Clay: A brown with a strong yellowish tint
• Nezu (Grayish Brown): A grayish brown
• Pear Skin (Rihi): Features a granular surface pattern resembling a pear
• Polished: Items polished to achieve a glossy finish
• Kiln Change: Unexpected colors or deformations occurring during firing

For glazed colored pots, we offer a wide variety of colors, so please take a look at the bonsai pots in the NAGINOWA lineup.

 

Bonsai pots come in various depths.
Names become shallower and lower as you move up the list, and deeper and taller as you move down.

• Ceramic dish
• Shallow
• Medium-shallow
• Medium-deep
• Large-deep
• Cliff-style (pots with a higher height-to-width ratio for cliff-style arrangements)
• Orchid pot (taller pots used for orchids and similar plants)

 

The size of bonsai pots is measured using the unit “gou” in Japanese.
Gou is equivalent to the old Japanese unit of length “sunn,” meaning go is simply another term for sun.
*The metric system was introduced in 1959, and units based on sunn are now prohibited.
The gou size is measured by the outer diameter at the widest point of the pot.
Therefore, pots with the same height but different diameters will have different gou sizes.
For example, a 5-gou pot has a diameter size of 3cm x 5 gou = 15cm (1.2in x 5 = 6in).
*For square pots, the length of one side is measured.

Ex. 5 gou size bonsai pot

https://acm-store.com/products/naginowa-cream-round-shape-banko-ware-japanese-bonsai-pot-6-3-in

 

Well, this has gotten quite long, but in this journal we've discussed in detail the shape, composition, color, depth, and size of bonsai pots.
Thank you for reading this far.
If you've made it this far, you're practically a bonsai master already.
At NAGINOWA, we carry a wide variety of bonsai pots, so you're sure to find one you love.
But before you browse our lineup, wouldn't you agree that learning more in this journal first makes the search for the perfect pot even more fun?
We'd be thrilled if you read it while recalling that childlike excitement you felt when making mud balls.

 

NAGINOWA offers a wide selection of high-quality Japanese bonsai pots and gardening supplies.
This blog primarily shares information about bonsai and gardening, serving as a guide for both bonsai enthusiasts and beginners.
NAGINOWA Blog chronicles the daily lives of our staff members, so please take a look when you have time.
If you find a bonsai pot you love, we invite you to enjoy shopping at our store, NAGINOWA.