Antique pots

I am recently getting back into Bonsai after a 10 year break. I had a few trees when I was a young teenager, but I just didn't have enough patience back then to really appreciate the art. I'm starting to build a small collection of trees, and really trying to learn more about pots. I would like to purchase at least one desirable antique pot in the near future, but I'm having a hard time finding information on what to look for. Do you guys know where I can learn more about what makes a pot desirable or valuable? Also, are there any antique bonsai pot dealers in the US?

Thanks in advance for the input.

Hi,

Don't know about dealers in the US, but here's a few sites with background information to get you started:

http://samedge.wordpress.com/category/bonsai-pots/
http://www.bonsaipots.net/index.php?page=patina-on-old-pots

And a few Japanese shops with high-end collector's pots ...
http://bonsai-s-cube.com/SHOP/ca07-060.html
http://www.bonsailife.com/item/iv.cgi?id=000362

Thanks for the reply. Interestngly enough, it was by reading Sam & KJs blog that I became interested in high quality and antique pots. Also, great information on Peter Krebs www.bonsaipots.net website, I hadn't seen that one yet.

Thanks for the info.

Does anyone know of any Tofukuji pots currently for sale?

Hi David,

Not sure if you got the PM I sent you a couple days ago, but I have a few Tofokuji pots available at the moment. (2nd Generation) Please send me a PM if you're interested.

Best Regards,
Bonsaimeister

Antique pots are available in myriads of designs and shapes.This is the rarely available collection which you would not find easily in the market.The prices on Ebay are low right now though,they would not be as high as antique store prices but you could get some kind of idea and it is pretty simple to do.Typically smaller than coffeepots and made of copper,silver,ceramic or porcelain, chocolate pots from this period often had straight handles that stuck out from the sides.