Grouper,
Recently I heard Peter Warren speak about the importance of the container in the total image. He suggested that the pot was as imortant as the tree in capturing the total feeling. We all have used the wrong pot for a tree due to any number of issues ranging from lack of $, to poor choice to the only thing we had that was large enough to hold it. I'm gald to hear your choice was not based on wanting to classify it as Penjing. I do think that is crazy but I have heard it before.
If you mentioned the demensions of the composition I missed it. If a good replacement can not be found maybe you could stain it to tone down. You have created a calm and inviting scene but the pot is loud and distracting to me. If it doesn't bother you, that's all that matters. Sorry to have offended you.
Mark
No, Mark, I wasn't offended, hence the smilies. I don't offend easily, although I do find myself getting annoyed easily at times, but I wasn't even annoyed by the comments, just sort of bemused and bewildered.
At any rate, your comments, along with those of Will and others, have got me to thinking that perhaps the composition is turning out nicely enough to spring for a really fine suiban if I ever find one the right size. I have seen them offered on eBay twice in recent years that I recall, but the cost of shipping is very high because they are so delicate when that large and shallow. If anyone knows of a source where they can be ordered, please let me know. The current pot is 36" X 18", but it looks a bit cramped, and might look even more so in a more shallow tray, so perhaps even a bit larger/broader would be better. When I have thought of putting it on a slab I have envisioned one at least 48-60".
Thanks for your input, Mark.
G52