Post 57 Shohin Pot

Over the last month I've been working along in the background developing a couple of new models for pots. One of those is a Shohin sized pot and the other is a midsized oval. More on that one later, but for now I have some early shohins to post.

The shohin 'class' is of course bonsai that are normally less than 20 cm and it is a class that many enthusiasts specialise in. Shohin pots and pot selection for shihin bonsai pretty much follow the same conventions that apply to larger bonsai, although there may be a tendency for slightly brighter glazes.

So I was casting about for a design and was reluctant to just make a smaller version of a larger pot. I've always been attracted to neolithic pottery - ie. pre bronze age. There are some fantastic forms and decorative styles in different parts of the world. I borrowed a book from the library about the history of Chinese pottery and come across a circular bowl with a full skirt foot arrangement. It was dated from the 10th to 12th Century  BC and a beautiful piece of functional art. I didn't take a picture but did make a sketch. The rim flange had a beautiful curvature from above as well as below, a feature I wanted to capture.

I prefer oval over circular for pots and so after setting on dimensions for an oval adaption refined the proportions of the form of the sketch. It was then the usual path of positive model and casting a mould. The final finished pot length will be about 170 to 175 mm; it's 200mm wet.  Being such a small pot the whole process has been quite a bit easier but the mould drying time has been just as long and it's been sitting there for a couple of weeks.

But it's ready to use now and I've turned out the first few pots. These are all still 'hot off the press' and quite wet, as you can see.

 

This is the first one. Finished with nice smooth surfaces for a good glazed finish. I think I have made a pretty good replica spanning the millenium.  The lines are very 'classical', as in the original, and it could just as easily be of Greek origin.
My wife immediately ordered one - no drainage hole, fully glazed, for chocolates at Christmas!

The bottom of the pot is at the level where it necks in. I've been toying with the idea of a central front moongate type opening in the foot ring. It looks ok on photoshop so will no doubt try it out.

 This one is formed with surface that looks like it's cracked. A thin matte glaze or even simply a stain with the colour of old burnt terracotta might be good, to more closely replicate the original.
 

This one has an unfinished coiled surface finish.

And then just for fun a coule of real textured models. This one has a planked surface with small matching feet and the last one is shingled. I'm already planning on an antique bronze finish for the one above.

 

More news on the other new oval soon.