Display table guidelines

[JudyB]

I'm very new at thinking about the display aspect of bonsai, and pots have been a big education for me. Next up are display tables. How much larger than the pot is the table supposed to be, and how far can that limit be stretched, both smaller and larger. I'm trying to see if I can get a few tables that will work for multiple trees. Also I like simple things, but don't know what type of table or coloration works with particular trees and pots. I would appreciate any thoughts or input for this discussion.
Thank you.
J
Also, I'm looking to purchase a couple tables if someone has some they'd like to unload. (I need one huge one ... Dan? )

 

[Adair M]

Most bonsai display tables have an inlaid center section. Your pot is supposed to be able to fit so that it sits on the center inlaid section, and not on the frame around it.

I'm attaching a photo of my Atlas Cedar I showed last weekend as an example.

 

[0soyoung]

Very nice cedar, Adair!



I cannot help but wonder if you buy more than wire from Jim Gremmel.

 

[JudyB]

Thanks Adair, any other advice is very welcome, as I don't want to buy something I cannot use.

NICE TREE!

 

[Adair M]

Yes, that tree is from Gremel. Pretty much the only place to get a decent Atlas Cedar. Most I've seen have been huge trees. But this one is a manageable size. About 18 inches.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Grab a Kokufu album...maybe something numbered in the high 70s to low 80s so it's somewhat current. You'll get a good feel for tables. A few thoughts of my own (FWIW):
- Center panel should contain the full pot, as Adair stated. That is a good first step.
- Total width is usually very close to the widest point in the tree's canopy.
- Lighter woods are appropriate for spring/summer, fruiting and flowering, and brightly glazed pots.
- Darker woods are appropriate for winter displays, evergreen trees, and unglazed pots.
- Height is important; get the tree up where it can be appreciated. Generally, shorter trees are on taller tables.
- Detailed trees are often complimented by more ornate stands. (i.e., Kathy critiqued my display; wanted a more ornate table to compliment the small detailed leaves)
- Subtle or stark trees are paired with simple stands (i.e., bunjin in a round nanban belongs on a simple jiita board).

 

[sorce]

There's a few good Ryan Neil (and others) critiques on YouTube that talk about stands. I enjoy learning from them.

Good luck finding a one size fits all! Sounds like you're about to be engulfed by the post pots addiction!
Stands!

Sorce

 

[CamdenJim]

Sounds like you're about to be engulfed by the post pots addiction!
Stands!
Sorce

First it's the tree, then the pot, then ...
Another aspect of the 'bonsai cycle of life.'
JC

 

[Dav4]

There's a few good Ryan Neil (and others) critiques on YouTube that talk about stands. I enjoy learning from them.

Good luck finding a one size fits all! Sounds like you're about to be engulfed by the post pots addiction!
Stands!

Sorce

You never get over your pot addiction. It's a life long affliction.

 

[berobinson82]

You never get over your pot addiction. It's a life long affliction.

Ehh, at least there are no serious physical withdrawal symptoms. And it's impossible to OD on bonsai pot.

 

[JudyB]

All of these posts are soooo true. If I have to be an addict, I'm happy to be a bonsai addict!

 

[JudyB]

Thanks Brian, some nice examples, and some straightforward answers.

 

[jk_lewis]

And if you think good pots are expensive . . .

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Ehh, at least there are no serious physical withdrawal symptoms. And it's impossible to OD on bonsai pot.

My wife says I've come close. I think I can handle it.

 

[Ron Dennis]

Ehh, at least there are no serious physical withdrawal symptoms. And it's impossible to OD on bonsai pot.

Not sure I agree on the OD being impossible. If you want to see a grown man cry, wait until he drops one of these pot treasures and realizes even all the king's men can't put it back together.

 

[Smoke]

Pretty good reading here

 

[0soyoung]

This one is pretty good too.

 

[Adair M]

Pretty good reading here

Ah... The infamous "stand porn" thread!

 

[Smoke]

The infamous BIB stand porn thread.

 

[Smoke]

This one is pretty good too.

I forgot about that. That was a long time ago. Some of those photos are all squashy on my screen.