Page 25 - BSAM 2018 Q2

information is limited and this can lead to uncertain interpretation and mythical appreciation rather than the truth. (Figure 3)
This article is an attempt to open eyes, minds and to stimulate the conversation about antique Japanese bonsai pots. More specifically, its aim is to propose a more accurate truth of the following myths and misconceptions.
Myth One: The best Japanese bonsai trees are always potted into antique Chinese bonsai pots.
This is certainly a fact if the trees represented in Japan’s National Exhibition, Kokufu Ten, are to be relied upon as a guide to determine everyday potting of Japanese bonsai trees. The first Kokufu Ten Exhibition was held in Tokyo in 1934. This was only six years after the very first public exhibition of bonsai was recorded in Japan in 1928, decades after global exposure at major world events from 1876 at the Universal Exhibition of Paris, to later exhibitions in 1889 and 1900, and the first major bonsai exhibit held in London in 1909. The spectacular public display of trees and the annual pictorial albums of Kokufu now provide a wonderful historical legacy; however, very little formal pictorial evidence of bonsai trees on display from earlier times in Japan was recorded or still exists.
Japan had a long tradition of importing Chinese ceramics for use with bonsai, including the now documented collection eras of Kowatari (Old Crossing or 17 and 18th C) and Nakawatari (Middle Crossing or 19th C) bonsai pots. There are, however, almost no pictorial records available of Japanese bonsai ever planted or displayed in these vessels prior to the 20th century. (Figure 4)
Fortunately, however, a vast range of acknowl- edged, period specific, Japanese wood block prints or ukiyo-e, by many famous artists and some fewer photographs clearly, even if unintentionally, demon- strate the preferred potting of Japanese bonsai during
Top; Figure 2 – Late Edo Period, Zuishi Yaki Rushiba blue-green transparent celadon glaze, from the Tokugawa Kiln Wakayama, Japan 1796-1874. Hexagonal drained pot with auspicious Japanese Kirin dragon-unicorns, 23cm wide x 15cm high.
Middle; Figure 3 – Early Meiji Period, Imari Yaki in blue overglaze in the style of Korean, Shoki Imari but from former Hizen Province, Japan from 1616. Rare square drained pot with hand painted oriental scene, 15cm wide x 12cm high.
Bottom; Figure 4 – Qing Dynasty, Jingdezhen Kilns, Yongzheng Period 1723-1735 then produced until the 19th century Kowatari Chinese.
Lu Jun-Chinese or Rokinyu- Japanese Robin’s Egg blue speckled glaze. Rectangular drained pot with nail carved decoration, 12cm wide x 9.5cm deep x 6 cm high.
April/May/June 2018 | BCI | 23