A Guide to Pot Selection

SELECTION OF POTS ACCORDING TO COLOUR CONTRAST
This can be a more difficult task. The goal is not to find a similar hue to the existing one but to create harmony between two totally different colours.

In bonsai practice,s we are looking for a pot colour that will enhance the trees colouring.

This colour circle shows the primary colours - yellow, blue and red, secondary colours are listed to smoothly blend from one to the next.

Based on colour contrast, harmony is achieved by selecting colour pairs lying on opposite sides of the circle, complementary colours,

In bonsai art, we won’t use colours in their pure form as can be seen in this circle. We will reduce their intensity to the colour saturation of the tree.

When looking for suitable combinations of complementary colours, you don‘t have to follow the chart rigidly, common sense must be followed, and if a contrast is to distracting, try the colour next to it. The individual approach of each artist is very important. Colour perception needs to be developed. Creative individuals search for inspiration in nature, at exhibitions or in literature.

Not listed in the colour circle is black or white, many shades from off-white through grey to charcoal are very popular and harmonise with many different species.

Here I’ve put the same tree in 2 totally different colour pots to show the difference between harmony and contrast, it creates a different feeling in each case.

The blue pot was made especially for this tree, and the base line of the glaze echo’s the profile of the lower branches.

It is necessary to consider that if the pot colour is chosen to contrast or harmonise with a tree in flower or fruit, it may only be suitable for a short period of time, it may be worth considering another pot for the rest of the year. This is also true if you are showing a deciduous tree as a winter image, the pot that suit’s the tree in leaf may appear to heavy in the winter.

There are also horticultural requirements to consider, some flowering and wetland trees may need a greater reservoir of available moisture to thrive, eg. Willow, Alder, Wisteria, to name just a few.

It is obvious there are many factors to consider when choosing a pot, above all the tree should be the main focus of attention, the pot must compliment the tree, but be secondary in the whole composition.

I am always happy to work with you in selecting a pot for your tree, and making one just the right size, shape and colour, there is no obligation to buy until you are satisfied with the finished pot.

I’d love to hear your comments on any aspect of this article - please contact me.

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