I've seen some "signature pots" that are less than impressive. I don't pretend to know the inner workings of Tokoname potters but I know that there are plenty of uninformed buyers in western countries who will pay a premium for a pot with a signature. Even when the pot is flawed.
Yep! Ditto for European pots. Americans seem to have in mind that if it came from another country (
any country) it is better! When, in fact, some of the
best bonsai pots in the
WORLD are made right here in the 'ol US of A!
I can't believe what I see people pay for average pots because they came from Europe, for instance!
I often have a tough time biting my tongue from saying "I'll make you that pot for half that price!"
I often see folks buying a cheap, junky chinese pot because it has a "stamp" on the bottom. Who knows what it says or who stamped it, and who cares, if it's a $2 pot!
Also, I often see pot sellers advertising that they have a "signature" pot. Well, it doesn't matter that it's signed....what matters is WHO signed it
COUPLED WITH it's over-all quality. As I jokingly often tell folks...."All my pots are
SIGNATURE pots"!
Nomiyama's pot's are probably wonderful but I think it's worth stating that a great pot is a great pot because it is. Not because of the Hanko or the signature (engaging as they may be).
Exactly, but if it's got some scratching on the bottom.....Your average American bonsai student figures it's GOTTA BE good
Americans need to look for what makes it good, other than a stamp.
I was unpacking some Lotus proffesional pots the other day. These are probably the most market saturated pots in the world today. Well, one of them a metallic gold was just glorious. Tear drop on the foot and an exquisite mottled glaze.
And they're made by factory workers on a 10 hour 7 day grind.
Linsay, what percentage of those cheaper lotus pots have a "stamp" on the bottom. No matter what it says?
Regards,
Dale
P.S. I'll bet we get another group of pots pictured from people wanting to know who made the pot they just got off the club raffle table for $3