Growing bonsai is the oldest form of living art. While the term ‘Bonsai” is of Japanese origin, it’s noteworthy that the art itself originated in the Chinese Empire. As early as 700 AD, the Chinese had already begun practising the art of “pun-sai”, employing specialised techniques to cultivate dwarf trees in containers.

Emperors would ask their artists to reproduce the incredible landscapes they had experienced on their journeys in miniature form. Thus, the art of Bonsai began.

Originally, the art of bonsai utilised pots in natural earthy tones, reflecting the simplicity and harmony with nature that bonsai embodies. Over time, however, the introduction of beautiful, coloured glazes has added a new dimension to bonsai aesthetics.

Many growers today choose blue ceramic pots, as blue provides a striking contrast to the green foliage. Blue also symbolises water and sky, elements deeply connected to nature.

Why Bonsai Pots Are Often Blue

Bonsai pots are commonly found in blue for several reasons, ranging from aesthetic appeal to traditional symbolism:

  1. Aesthetic Contrast: Blue pots provide a striking contrast to the greens and other colours of the bonsai’s foliage. This contrast enhances the visual impact of the tree, making the vibrant leaves and intricate branches stand out.
  2. Natural Complements: Blue is a colour that naturally complements the earthy tones of the bonsai soil and the greens and browns of the tree. This harmonious colour pairing creates a pleasing and balanced appearance.
  3. Cultural Significance: In many cultures (for example, in China and Japan), blue is associated with calmness, serenity, and stability. Using blue pots can evoke these feelings, aligning with the peaceful and contemplative nature of bonsai art.
  4. Symbolism: Blue can symbolise water and sky, elements that are integral to the natural world. This symbolism ties the bonsai tree to its larger environment, enhancing the sense of bringing a piece of nature into one’s home.
  5. Tradition and Heritage: Blue ceramic pots have a long history in bonsai cultivation, particularly in Japanese and Chinese traditions. The use of blue glaze on pottery has been prized for centuries, and this tradition continues in the world of bonsai.

What colour pot does your bonsai have?

Besides blue, bonsai pots come in various other colours like deep green, which symbolises growth and harmony; brown, which represents stability and earthiness; and white, which denotes purity and simplicity. The choice of pot colour can enhance the visual impact of the bonsai. Specific colours are used to complement the tree’s foliage and the overall aesthetic the grower wishes to achieve.

Additionally, the choice of pot colour for bonsai is not only influenced by factors such as leaf colour, but also whether the tree fruits or flowers. For instance, pots in colours that contrast or complement the foliage can accentuate the beauty of the bonsai. Or the pot colour maybe chosen to highlight the colours or fruits of a specific species. Some pots are chosen knowing that the colour of the leaves exhibit seasonal variation. Therefore, a glaze is selected which best enhancing the ever-changing hues.

Contemporary Influences

Traditional considerations include using pots that harmonise with the natural elements the tree represents, such as earth tones for grounding or blues for water symbolism. However, in contemporary bonsai, personal preference and decorative considerations play a significant role. Growers often select pots based on their own taste and to match the decor where the bonsai will be displayed. This broadens the range of colours and styles used in bonsai cultivation.

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