Andy Rutledge wrote:

Hi Mark,

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mark Hill"
Hi all...
Here's a question to prolong this thread ..... Why are mica pots not
preferred show containers?
snip
Is it simply because ceramic pots cost much more, therefore they must be
better ?
Sounds a bit snooty to me !!
Mark Hill
-------------------------------

I'll bite. Yes, it's snooty - for the same reason that diamonds are coveted
over cubic zirconia, though from most views, the CZ looks beautiful and
dazzling. The reason is twofold (at least):

1) This is an art. The art of bonsai display is one that touts quality and,
in many cases, is concerned with ties to the artistry of long ago (antique
chinese pots for high quality bonsai in an exhibit) or of today (great
modern potters). Also, the subtle aesthetic quality that an excellent
bonsai pot can convey as part of a bonsai display is prized for obvious
reasons.

This is scary. Andy and I actually *somewhat* agree. I like mica pots for the
reasons already mentioned. I use them here at home, and at this point I feel that
they are appropriate for trees in training, really large trees in general that are
going to be overly heavy in a ceramic pot, and for local and club exhibitions. I
don't know exactly where I'd draw the line in terms of acceptability, though.
Major exhibits, perhaps, although I saw several trees in mica pots at the
exposition last October at the North Carolina State Arboretum and they looked
really good--they obviously had been oiled.


2) We're human. When dealing with artistry - an admittedly snooty endeavor
(and define "snooty" at your peril) - the specific quality of the elements
involved has an impact on the viewer (from small to enormous) AND the
exhibitor. Humans generally enjoy exhibiting and viewing rare quality and
great craftsmanship more than we enjoy exhibiting and viewing "plastic"
make-do elements. Often, what we know about an objet d'art impacts our
enjoyment.

So sure, recognize that bonsai artistry has snooty elements.

"Snooty" really isn't the best term here. "Particular," perhaps. When I have a
large tree that I feel is worth showing, I will probably look around for a ceramic
pot. I realize that my bigger trees are going to take a number of years to really
be presentable. When they are presentable, I want to have them look their best.
To wait on the larger ceramic pots a few years also helps me to be patient with a
larger tree, and not rush it in it's training. I have been doing bonsai long
enough (5 years) so that I'm beginning to get a sense of the longer-term aspect of
the art--not rushing a tree, but working on it steadily and watching it progress
through several seasons. And in terms of display, Andy's right. Whether the pot
is glazed or unglazed, a ceramic pot, especially a well-made one, is generally
better looking than a mica pot.

snip

Kind regards,
Andy Rutledge
www.andyrutledge.com/palaver/main.htm
zone 8, Texas

Craig Cowing
NY
Zone 5b/6a Sunset 37

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