How to differentiate quality in a pot?

froufrou

Hi I'm new to this, so wondering, how do you tell the quality of a ceramic bonsai pot?

Consider unglazed only for the moment.

For example, the pots from yixing have a wide price range, even with the same style and size. Is it the color/shade of the clay?

How do they separate the different quality pots for Tokoname?

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bonhe

If you come to Asian supermarket and watch people choosing the watermelon, you may see them tap on the watermelon and they listen to the sound. By the sound, they know which one is good. I think most of Japan made pot are lighter and have different sound comparing with the China or Korean one (of course the pots are the same sizes). Bonhe

froufrou

How about the different Japanese pots? How to tell the quality difference?

I watched a Lindsey Farr video and it showed a pot maker using sawdust with the clay. I suppose that would make it lighter.

BunjinEnt

Without diving into a thesis on "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance", the clays from areas in Japan and China have desireable color and workability and fireing properties that potters have been using for centuries. Ceramics in those areas have been made by families who have been passing down the art and craft for generations. The quality of the pieces or (more likely) the price of the pieces depend on the way in which they are made and by whom they are made. Mass produced pieces would tend to have less value than hand made pieces. They would tend to have fewer flaws than handmade, but the flaws are what give unique pieces their character. As is the case of handmade 100% silk carpets from Iran. The weavers actually add flaws to prove they are hand made.
It kinda goes back to the "What is Art?" question. Art from certain folks commands higher prices than others.
If you are interested, there is info out there on who the big name pot makers from Asia are and what their chops look like.
As a rule of thumb (this is kind of a no brainer) the pots with stickers (Made in China) tend to be inexpensive and of lesser quality whereas the ones with chops and stamps designate specific pot makers or factories.
I don't think certain clays once fired to stoneware temps, have any special properties than any other clays. There are only the differences in the properties for the formation and decoration of the pot by the potter.

A rule of thumb also is to stay away from earthenware fired pots as they tend to crack over time due to the freeze/thaw cycle of water and porcelain as the clay is too vitrified to add surface water retention or root grip inside the pot. But I have seen some very nice pots from both categories...

Hope this helps,

-Wm

froufrou

Hehe I was hoping for more simple explanation. But I guess it's highly subjective and no answer is possible.

farlinzee

It is a complicated question. The quality of the materials and craftsmanship influence but so do accidents of the kiln.

Ultimately you must be prepared to trust your instinct as to which is a fine pot and which is not.
example:
Japanese collectors greatly value simple peasant made pinch pots from Korea because of their unpretentios beauty.

If you go to Yixing and request the finest pots you should expect to pay a premium.

If you seek affordable pots you may well be shown the finer pots at a notably lower price.

For quality of workmanship look to the feet and bottom of the pot.

Cheers
Lindsay

Dale Cochoy

VERY important.

Myself, I also look at thinness or thickness, slip cast or not and warpage....but that is just me and also very subjective.
Dale

__________________
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If you want to be Different....
You have to DO something Different!
__________________________________________

Some people NEVER take the time to do a job right the first time....
but, they always seem to make the time to do it over again...
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Dale Cochoy
Wild Things Bonsai Studio
Yakimono no Kokoro Bonsai Pottery
Hartville, Ohio

waltr

One thing that I look for in a pot is the drainage and anchoring holes. Are there enough to provide good drainage and properly anchor the tree.
Are there any low spots that would hold water. I seen plenty of "cheap" chinese pots that had depressions in the corners that would not drain.
Does the pot have a good feel?
Does the pot ring when tapped with your finger?
Like many items recognizing quality takes experience. Go to a good bonsai shop to examine the pots and ask questions about why this pot is so much more expensive.

Dale Cochoy

waltr]
"Are there any low spots that would hold water. I seen plenty of "cheap" chinese pots that had depressions in the corners that would not drain."

I keep hearing , or see in writing, this more and more. This is a common rait with slip cast pots, BUT, a slight dip in the corners over the feet won't effect the growing of your tree at all. But, do beware of pots bowed up on the bottom if they only have one or two drain holes and they are higher than the bottom. Speaking of drainage, a couple good sized holes are better than a couple ( or bunch) of small holes.


"Does the pot ring when tapped with your finger?"

All pots 'ring' when taped, even bisqued pots. It's the SOUND of the ring, not just a ring.

"Like many items recognizing quality takes experience. Go to a good bonsai shop to examine the pots and ask questions about why this pot is so much more expensive"

Actually just going to a 'bonsai shop' probably won't help a lot regarding the question of price. You never know what type answer you'll get or if it is sound in fact, for instance "It's got a japanese stamp on the bottom". The stamp may not mean a thing related to the cost. I commonly see $3 chinese pots with stamps on the bottom! If you wonder about the value of a bonsai I'd ask an experienced potter or someone who has SEEN a lot of quality bonsai pots over the years, not just your usual "Billie Bobs eBay Bonsai" shop.

D.

__________________
________________________________
If you want to be Different....
You have to DO something Different!
__________________________________________

Some people NEVER take the time to do a job right the first time....
but, they always seem to make the time to do it over again...
____________________________________________
Dale Cochoy
Wild Things Bonsai Studio
Yakimono no Kokoro Bonsai Pottery
Hartville, Ohio