Randy Knight Japanese Maple

[JudyB]

Yes I do like it Judy but welcome differing POVs. It is a rather expensive pot so wanted to test it out first. Perhaps the scale of the texture is too large?

yes perhaps. Something is not working synergistically between the tree an the pot here. I would not spend a lot of $$ on this combo if I were not sure. And something here is not working. Maybe if it were more of a smaller crackle instead of a texture.

 

[Nomiyama]

One of my favorite tree's in your collection. I say yes to the new pot, something rough and rugged to go with the rough and rugged visual of this tree. It can pull it off, so please update us with a new pot this Spring. Maybe even a Mushuki style pot, contact Matthew Ouwinga, he usally has a few in stock. Another option would be a pot from Erin pottery, I just recently put a rough collected birch into the pot to compliment the roughness of the tree. I'll upload some pics of my Erin pot.

 

[Nomiyama]

Or, I can agree with Brian's point of seeing it in an oversized pot to portray and open field. Maybe an oval that is narrow and long. Maybe a Shuho with his signature subtle pitting glaze for some texture. Many ways to go with this tree, I'm excited to see the route you take.

 

[Don Blackmond]

I'm not a big fan of textured pots primarily because they are difficult to keep clean and looking right. But, based on all the photos I have seen you post over the years, you will have no issue keeping a textured pot clean. I'm not sure there is dirt, debris, spider webs, etc. where you keep and work on trees. I'm the opposite; the bonsai equivalent of Pig Pen.
That issue aside, imho the textured pot is too busy and draws too much focus away from the tree. Brian's description "competitive distraction" is spot on imo.

 

[Velodog2]

Yeah this is a(nother) great tree!

I'll weigh in on the pot I guess. Like others I'm not a fan of the seemingly Western tendency toward ostentatious pots that compete with the tree for attention. There almost seems to be a sort of hubris in western potters where they want their pots as the center of attention rather than being content to make demure picture frames for the tree.

Another thing westerners sometimes attempt is to have the pot complete the story of the tree or provide a natural looking environment for it. Sometimes that's ok but I usually prefer the contrast between a wild, rough, craggy tree that is "contained" within a civilized and refined pot, almost like a wild animal in a cage. The contrast accentuates the character of the tree I feel.

So yeah, I think that pot is too much.

 

[MACH5]

Thank you guys for all your comments and insights. I agree in that I am not a fan of textured pots either and, almost without exception, I prefer Japanese pots precisely because of their simplicity. But somehow, European potters do it well and very tastefully in my opinion with regards to textured ceramics. I wanted to do something more rustic and I think it works. Where I think this pot is perhaps not ideal is in the scale. Its texture may be too large and bold and to Brian's point compete too much with the tree. Something more subtle I think would pair up very nicely.

I will definitely consider other options including the possibility of a slab. I think I will hold off on this container for the time being since it is rather expensive and, beyond this tree, I won't have much use for it at the moment.

 

[Lars Grimm]

I have always thought (maybe incorrectly) that the simplicity of a Japanese pot fits well with the elegance of a pot grown Japanese tree (no scars, lots of movement). The push towards more textured European pots seems to complement the greater utilization of carving and deadwood features, in particular on deciduous species. To me, this tree would do well in a textured pot. What about something with a finer grained texture like these?

 

[MACH5]

I have always thought (maybe incorrectly) that the simplicity of a Japanese pot fits well with the elegance of a pot grown Japanese tree (no scars, lots of movement). The push towards more textured European pots seems to complement the greater utilization of carving and deadwood features, in particular on deciduous species. To me, this tree would do well in a textured pot. What about something with a finer grained texture like these?

Yes I agree that this tree would be best served in a textured pot. Walter Pall utilizes them quite a bit to good effect. As I had mentioned, the scale is what may be off with your examples showing a more subtle texturing. My only issue with these is mostly the color which is on the cold side but the first pic is an interesting choice.

I think this tree would be just fine in a more traditional Japanese pot. I have no doubt, but I think it will do better in something off the beaten path. Obviously a highly personal matter but always good to bounce things off my fellow buts!

 

[MACH5]

One of my favorite tree's in your collection. I say yes to the new pot, something rough and rugged to go with the rough and rugged visual of this tree. It can pull it off, so please update us with a new pot this Spring. Maybe even a Mushuki style pot, contact Matthew Ouwinga, he usally has a few in stock. Another option would be a pot from Erin pottery, I just recently put a rough collected birch into the pot to compliment the roughness of the tree. I'll upload some pics of my Erin pot.

This is also an interesting choice Chris. I think Colin had a similar one at the Nationals where the tree seem to brake through the pot! I think perhaps this one's too heavy but I get where you're going.

 

[Cadillactaste]

Wow...Just WOW! I also didn't grasp the size of this tree at first glance at the beginning of the post. It's "Jaw Hit The Ground"...AMAZING Sergio!

 

[MACH5]

First time this maple has produced this type of intense coloration. Even more exciting will be to see the developing fine ramification. I am hoping next spring to get it into a better and more appropriately sized container.

 

[Shima]

Stunning!

 

[drew33998]

Wonderful. And dude your tree has a sleepy hollow look to it. I would try to find something dark and cold feeling. Either way I'm sure it will look great in the end. I feel like you may find something Horst that would work.

 

[drew33998]

Horst. Minus the rivets?

 

[Forrestford]

Beautiful tree. Is there still dead wood inside that hollowed out area? One of my J maples has a whole section thats dead, it is callousing over but i'm unsure if it will affect the health of the tree over time.

 

[MACH5]

Beautiful tree. Is there still dead wood inside that hollowed out area? One of my J maples has a whole section thats dead, it is callousing over but i'm unsure if it will affect the health of the tree over time.

No, rotted wood should not affect the health of the tree even long term. In nature this happens with trees been able to survive perfectly well with hollowed trunks. The danger is that their sturcture is compromised and a storm can bring them down. It is not a concern of course in bonsai.

 

[Forrestford]

No, rotted wood should not affect the health of the tree even long term. In nature this happens with trees been able to survive perfectly well with hollowed trunks. The danger is that their sturcture is compromised and a storm can bring them down. It is not a concern of course in bonsai.

Ok cool thanks! So the carving of the dead wood was for style points. Beautifully done.

 

[Mike Hennigan]

Any updates on this tree? Is it in a new pot?

 

[MACH5]

Ok cool thanks! So the carving of the dead wood was for style points. Beautifully done.

Thank you. Yes it came with lots of ugly scars and deadwood so I decided to turn that into a main feature since there was no way to hide it.

 

[MACH5]

Any updates on this tree? Is it in a new pot?

Sorry Mike but this one was sold.