Korean Bonsai Pots

[opus1]

Hi everyone,

I've noticed that while many talented artists in Korea create beautiful bonsai pots, their work remains relatively unknown outside the country.

I’d like to start a thread introducing some of these Korean bonsai potters and their unique styles. I hope you enjoy discovering them!

Most of these artists are based in a place called Icheon Ceramics Village. If Japan has Tokoname, Korea has Icheon.

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Icheon Ceramic Art Village – Ye’s Park

Ye’s Park is a creative artisan village located in Icheon, which is recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art.

Spanning over 400 acres, the village is home to artisans working in ceramics, glass, leather, woodworking, lacquerware, and more.

Since its opening in 2018, Ye’s Park has become a vibrant cultural hub for both locals and visitors, offering workshops, exhibitions, and hands-on craft experiences.

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In this thread, I’ll be introducing some Korean bonsai potters, along with photos of their work. Stay tuned!

 

[opus1]

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[opus1]

The first artist I'd like to introduce is Bec-Kang/백광 [pɛk̚.kɐŋ].

He started making pottery back in 1975 and currently runs three kilns.

He mainly makes smaller-sized pots—about 35cm for round ones, and under 20cm for square or oval shapes.

Considering the quality and design, his pots are quite affordable, usually priced between $20 and $120.

 

[opus1]

The second artist is an artist named Ye-Jun/예준 [je̞.dʑun].

He’s been making ceramics since 1980 and mostly creates planters smaller than 30 to 40 cm.

Ye-Jun uses a variety of glazes and often adds hand-painted designs to his work.

Most of his planters are quite affordable, typically priced between $30 and $150—though some painted or sculptural pieces cost more due to the extra time and effort involved.

 

[opus1]

The third artist I’d like to introduce is Dae-Dong/대동 [tɛ̝.doŋ].

He’s been running a large bonsai garden for over 40 years and also teaches students.

Around 20 years ago, he started making high-end bonsai pots himself.

His glazed pots usually go for $150 to $300, while his hand-painted pieces range from $300 to $2,000—making them some of the most expensive Korean pots out there.

His pots are considered ideal for bonsai, both for their visual appeal and their ability to support healthy growth.

His hand-painted pieces are mostly collected rather than used for planting bonsai.

 

[wuldiba]

Love this, thanks for sharing.

 

[Carol 83]

Those are some beautiful pots.

 

[vesper818]

Is there a website to order/ importer to US and Europe? These are truly beautiful, but most most of what we see of Korean pots here in the US are mica training pots.
Lovely!

 

[rockm]

I had a few Tongrae bonsai pots back in the 1990s. They were very good -high fired and useable with trees. They were also affordable. The company stopped making ceramic pots a couple of decades ago. A shame

Tongrae Bonsai Pot

www.bonsaivision.com

 

[opus1]

Love this, thanks for sharing.

Those are some beautiful pots.

Thanks! I’ll be introducing more amazing artists soon!

 

[opus1]

Is there a website to order/ importer to US and Europe? These are truly beautiful, but most most of what we see of Korean pots here in the US are mica training pots.
Lovely!

These artists don’t have their own online shops, and it seems like no one’s really exporting Korean pots either.

So after talking with them directly, I’ve decided to help export their work myself.

If you spot any pots you like in the photos I posted, just shoot me a message—I’ll let you know the price and international shipping cost.

(Since shipping overseas can get a bit pricey, I’d recommend ordering a few pieces at once if you can.)

There are also more artists I haven’t introduced yet, so stay tuned—lots more to come!

 

[opus1]

I had a few Tongrae bonsai pots back in the 1990s. They were very good -high fired and useable with trees. They were also affordable. The company stopped making ceramic pots a couple of decades ago. A shame

Tongrae Bonsai Pot

www.bonsaivision.com

Some artists, including Tongrae, aren't making work anymore due to health issues or because they’ve sadly passed away.

That’s such a great piece! You don’t see pots like that much anymore!

 

[rockm]

Some artists, including Tongrae, aren't making work anymore due to health issues or because they’ve sadly passed away.

That’s such a great piece! You don’t see pots like that much anymore!

Tongrae is/was a company not an individual. they made ceramic pots by the thousands. Some were typical mass produced pots. Others were finer quality. They also made mica pots as well (don’t know off theyre still making those or if that mproduction stopped as well)

Tongrae Korean Round Mica Dark Brown Bonsai Pot Outside Dimension: 10.5" x 3.25" | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Tongrae Korean Round Mica Dark Brown Bonsai Pot Outside Dimension: 10.5" x 3.25" at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[opus1]

Tongrae is/was a company not an individual. they made ceramic pots by the thousands. Some were typical mass produced pots. Others were finer quality. They also made mica pots as well (don’t know off theyre still making those or if that mproduction stopped as well)

Tongrae Korean Round Mica Dark Brown Bonsai Pot Outside Dimension: 10.5" x 3.25" | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Tongrae Korean Round Mica Dark Brown Bonsai Pot Outside Dimension: 10.5" x 3.25" at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

I'll dig into Tongrae a bit more soon and share any updates if I find anything!

 

[Tidal Bonsai]

I bought this Korean wood fired pot years ago, and just found the perfect tree for it this season. I never looked up who made it, but it’s a great pot in a useable size.

 

[opus1]

Tongrae is/was a company not an individual. they made ceramic pots by the thousands. Some were typical mass produced pots. Others were finer quality. They also made mica pots as well (don’t know off theyre still making those or if that mproduction stopped as well)

Tongrae Korean Round Mica Dark Brown Bonsai Pot Outside Dimension: 10.5" x 3.25" | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Tongrae Korean Round Mica Dark Brown Bonsai Pot Outside Dimension: 10.5" x 3.25" at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

I looked into Tongrae, but I could hardly find any information... It really does seem like it's disappeared.

 

[opus1]

I bought this Korean wood fired pot years ago, and just found the perfect tree for it this season. I never looked up who made it, but it’s a great pot in a useable size.
View attachment 603635View attachment 603634

I'm not sure about this pot. Was it really made in Korea?

 

[Tidal Bonsai]

I'm not sure about this pot. Was it really made in Korea?

It was sold to me as Korean, but I have no idea. I just bought it because I liked it. Let me know if you have any insight.

 

[Adamski77]

what a great thread... I'll be in Korea all August for some personal reasons... @opus1 ... do you mind I send you PM to get some more coordinates on these sellers? ... pots are looking amazing...

 

[opus1]

what a great thread... I'll be in Korea all August for some personal reasons... @opus1 ... do you mind I send you PM to get some more coordinates on these sellers? ... pots are looking amazing...

Of course not! I’ll send you a PM!