Why glazed for decidious and unglazed for conifers?

Question. Do you know any explanation (beside tradition) why conifers are always presented in an unglazed pot with earth toned colours, and deciduous / flowering / fruiting trees in glazed and coloured pots?

Maybe there is a more feminine and finer approach to glazed pots, which in Japan (as far as my knowledge reaches) is attached to deciduous and flowering trees. A masculine feeling is connected with the stronger specimens presented by the conifers withstanding the harsh environment of the mountains. Is that explanation valid and sufficient though?

Regards
Morten

Hi Morten

You know for what it is worth I have always been of the understanding that glazed pots were 'generally' used for Bonsai that would be displayed within the home ... 'indoor Bonsai.' Oh how I loathe that term:-)

Bonsai displayed outside permanently would be potted in unglazed containers.

I'm probably completely wrong in terms of correctness, but it works for me.

Mike

morten albek wrote:Question. Do you know any explanation (beside tradition) why conifers are always presented in an unglazed pot with earth toned colours, and deciduous / flowering / fruiting trees in glazed and coloured pots?

Maybe there is a more feminine and finer approach to glazed pots, which in Japan (as far as my knowledge reaches) is attached to deciduous and flowering trees. A masculine feeling is connected with the stronger specimens presented by the conifers withstanding the harsh environment of the mountains. Is that explanation valid and sufficient though?

I don't think so. It is question of taste, and what one consider as harmony.

e.g. I don't have conifers in pots yet, but all my trees (deciduous, evergreen, flowering, fruting ....) are planted into unglazed pot with earth toned colours ...

In the Japanese tradition glazed containers were used with flowering bonsai and the color of the pot should compliment the flower color, also flowering bonsai are only displayed when in bloom.

Like many of the rules, it is not as hard & fast as it used to be. The deciding factor should be if the pot & tree look good together.
Nowadays, you sometimes find dwarf conifers, like 'Zuisho,' that are a little more on the feminine side & look fine in a dark glazed pot. I believe I have seen pictures of old rugged tamarisks and flowering apricots potted in unglazed pots. Where do you fit Casuarina?
Iris

Yes all good but the question was "why"

The questioner knows about rules, tradition, and taste, I think we all do, question remains ... Head scratcher ,eh?

My opinion... all bonsai look great in earthtone pots. I think colors may have partly come about through marketing. Fancy shiny colored pots always sell better to the general public. Especially blue pottery in general and so follow bonsai in colored pots . So give them what they want. Thats a why.

I actually love to make, hold, buy, collect, fancy lil pots but most end up on display, not in service. Why ? cuz I likes them

Hi Morten,
that is a question by a master of good taste.
Best wishes
Peter

peter krebs wrote:Hi Morten,
that is a question by a master of good taste.
Best wishes
Peter

Do you have his/her phone number ?

Regards
morten

I have seen a large juniper, in a glazed pale blue pot, exhibitet at Taikan-ten in Kyoto.

Kind regards Yvonne

Hi Morten,
here the website of the master of good taste.

http://www.shohin-europe.com/

Best wishes
Peter

Marija Hajdic wrote:It is question of taste, and what one consider as harmony.

I agree 100%

peter krebs wrote:Hi Morten,
here the website of the master of good taste.

http://www.shohin-europe.com/

Best wishes
Peter

Much too kind
Regards
Morten

stavros wrote:

Marija Hajdic wrote:It is question of taste, and what one consider as harmony.

I agree 100%

Maybe this is the case, and the rest is based in traditions. I tend to agree that it may be so. Thanks for your views. Dont stop if new views or other interesting aspects are found.

Regards
Morten

Hello together

I'm also with Marija....that's what it is today....and its good the way it is !!!!

May I add some thoughts of mine about the beginning......which is only speculation...!

- way back in time a single person...an emperor or high priest .... could have startet it all by taste....and more artists came up with glazes.

- the invention of formerly unknown glazes or firingtechnics/-kilns could have started a "new wave".

- I'm also pretty sure that a potter could have started it by a first presentation....as today .... competition always started new designs.

Kind regards
Martin