Difference in pot prices

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Steve C

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Just a question on something I don't quite yet understand due to still being a bonsai novice (just over 1 yr now) I'm a bit confused by pot prices.

Currently most my trees are still in training pots so I'm not concerned with having to buy any true bonsai pots yet, but when looking at pots both at online sales as well as the "selling" section of this site I see a huge variety of prices.

I see some pots that are $20 then I see one that to my eyes looks almost identical, yet it is $200. Then I see some online that are $400+ yet I don't quite understand what makes it cost that much? Is it just because it was made by a certain "name" person or is it something else that I am just not yet understanding?

Steve
 
Potter's name/reputation certainly plays a role. With it usually comes quality.
Rarity is another. A pot from a dead person can't be made anymore. ;)
Size...bigger usually is more expensive for same quality.
Origin.
Quality.
Style.
Shape.
Age.
Color/Glaze/Design...

Just to name a few factors.
 
There are quite a few factors that determine the cost of pottery. Some things are, Who made it, When it was made, Size, Materials, Finish. There are people who collect more pots then trees so it is a side quest to many.
I usually go to a US potter like Charles Iker(there are more) for a few reasons. I do not collect pots. They make very durable pots. They also work with you for the desired color/finish/size/amount of holes you need. So although they look very nice they are durable and a good fit at a good price.

Grimmy
 
A good tip for you; if you run across a pot with any of these chop marks, it's worthless, call me immediately and I'll pay you $20 to properly dispose of it for you.
 

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Steve C said:
Just a question on something I don't quite yet understand due to still being a bonsai novice (just over 1 yr now) I'm a bit confused by pot prices.

Currently most my trees are still in training pots so I'm not concerned with having to buy any true bonsai pots yet, but when looking at pots both at online sales as well as the "selling" section of this site I see a huge variety of prices.

I see some pots that are $20 then I see one that to my eyes looks almost identical, yet it is $200. Then I see some online that are $400+ yet I don't quite understand what makes it cost that much? Is it just because it was made by a certain "name" person or is it something else that I am just not yet understanding?

Steve
Click to expand...

Everyone covered most of the basics, but there is also the process with which it was manufactured. Was it cast in a mold? Was it pressed into a mold, but finished by hand? Was it slab-built by hand? The process ultimately affects the price and quality of the ceramic. I would encourage you to hold and view a $20 pot in person, and a $200 pot in person. I can see how an image of both pots wouldn't impress you much, and would leave you saying, "save $180, no brainer!", but the differences are stark in person.
 
I do feel like I'm at the mercy of those who do know/say they know more. The name dropping doesn't mean much, but when my jaw drops, I wish I knew more about the price I'm paying. Unfortunately, I seem to have expensive taste.

When I pick up a pot and it rings like a bell, I know I'm onto something. If it clunks like a terra-cotta pot, I wonder if I got screwed or paid for a name.
 
No one has really mentioned durability in freezing climates. A $12 super-shiny glazed pot like you made in high school wont likely last many freeze-thaw cycles, whereas one by a knowledgeable potter will be made of different (higher quality) clay and fired in a hotter kiln so that freezing wont effect it. Plus they wont look like it was made by a high school art class.
 
Appreciate all the info everyone. Personally I have never been a name brand type person, I feel if it does the job and looks nice that is fine for me. I'm sure some years down the line after I have gained more experience/trees/knowledge I could see myself spending a bit more on a pot though perhaps so just wondered what the difference was so I could understand why I was seeing such a variance in prices. Thanks.
 
Steve C said:
Appreciate all the info everyone. Personally I have never been a name brand type person, I feel if it does the job and looks nice that is fine for me. I'm sure some years down the line after I have gained more experience/trees/knowledge I could see myself spending a bit more on a pot though perhaps so just wondered what the difference was so I could understand why I was seeing such a variance in prices. Thanks.
Click to expand...

I am too, but you will learn sometimes that you get what you pay for. Most expensive is not always the best but usually the more expensive ones offer the best value. And most of the time, the cheapest offers the worst value. Unless you get a steal of a deal.

Good luck!
 
Last edited:
Poink88 said:
I am too, but you will learn sometimes that you get what you pay for. Most expensive is not always the best but usually the more expensive ones offer the best value. And most of the time, the cheapest offers the worst value. Unless you get a steal of a deal.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Totally understand. But since I am still what I would call a novice...putting a $20 tree in a $200 pot would not be a good choice just yet;)

Down the road once my trees I have now mature, or if I by more higher end mature trees then I wouldn't mind paying a bit more for a really nice quality pot I'm sure.
 
In pots, as in many other things, you get what you pay for. Two pots that look alike may be very different in quality -- of materials, of workmanship -- and in cold hardiness.

Virtually all "cheap" pots are truly CHEAP, and may not last very long. Where you are, I suspect that that would be fairly important in the winter.
 
lordy said:
No one has really mentioned durability in freezing climates. A $12 super-shiny glazed pot like you made in high school wont likely last many freeze-thaw cycles, whereas one by a knowledgeable potter will be made of different (higher quality) clay and fired in a hotter kiln so that freezing wont effect it. Plus they wont look like it was made by a high school art class.
Click to expand...

I mentioned durability...

Grimmy
 
GeorgiaBonsai said:
Why would a pot have so many chop marks on it? Do pot makers collaborate on pots?
Click to expand...

tofukuji employed a number of chop stamps, applied as pot size and style (and his mood that day) suggested. the story (apocryphal or not) behind this one goes that he was deep in his cups --- by which i mean, it were the liquor stamping.

that said, potters do and did collaborate --- usually, a pot maker and a painter, in which case the potter would stamp the pot and the painter would glaze/paint their signature. in some cases a designer, painter and pot-maker would collaborate to produce something in accord with the designer's vision. check out ryan's post on the tosui clan for some examples.
http://japanesebonsaipots.net/2012/12/28/demystifying-tosuis/
 
Steve C said:
Totally understand. But since I am still what I would call a novice...putting a $20 tree in a $200 pot would not be a good choice just yet;)

Down the road once my trees I have now mature, or if I by more higher end mature trees then I wouldn't mind paying a bit more for a really nice quality pot I'm sure.
Click to expand...

You Sir are wise beyond your years and can still enjoy "nice" pots on your journey. My suggestion to go with good American potters will allow you to do that and in addition obtain cone 8 to 10 pots which will last and look great for a long time where you are located. I have only spent over 300 USD on a few pots for specimens I donated to Arboretums and have never have done that for myself. Reason - I do not collect pots and in the good old USA I feel I get much better quality and looks for my personal preference... Just me, I am not a person that gauges the price of what I personally own with success. It all "rots and dies" just as we do...

Grimmy
 
lordy said:
I'm sorry, I missed that. Did I hurt your feelings? Or are you out for post count?
Click to expand...

Yes I am crushed - NOT :p Actually was thinking to ask about snow conditions there but I will on another thread.

Grimmy
 
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