Page 27 - BSAM 2018 Q2

Top left; Figure 9 – Ukiyo-e reprint of Buncho active 1765-1792. Note the combination of early pine bonsai tree with decorative stone and flowering plants in the same container.
Top right, 3 images; Figure 10 – Early Qing Dynasty, Kowatari, Canton Ware, bulb pot. Rectangle Lapiz Lazuli glaze basin with 8 decorative panels colored in over-glaze, 22cm wide x 14.5cm deep x 8cm high. Note the interior glazing with forced drainage added after firing.
Bottom 2 images; Figure 11
– Qing Dynasty, Kowatari, Cochin glazed round drained pot 45cm diameter x 19.5
cm high. Note the large hole forced in the centre to improve drainage even in a double, virgin drainage hole pot.
The physical and pictorial study of the rare 17-19th century Japanese bonsai pot does reveal, that at times, the re-use of possibly older or maybe more accessible ceramic basins, collectively known as bulb pots was a clear fact. It is known that bulbous flowering plants were highly esteemed, collected, cultivated and displayed proudly by Edo and Meiji Period Japanese (1603 -1912).
These purpose-built vessels required no drainage hole as the bulbs were often grown especially out of season and kept in controlled storage until physically required to flower. These containers, as captured in wood block prints, are highly decorative and can be irregularly shaped, overtly artistically stylized and fan- tastically colorful with round pots and shallow trays dominating. (Figure 10)
The barbaric and primitive methods of drilling required for the conversion of these vitreous, fiercely fired and impenetrable ceramics, is proof of early attempts to transform bulb pots or larger trays, so that they could be used to grow a broader range of plants, and also early bonsai trees that demanded the appropriate drainage. There are also very highly prized examples of intricately decorative ceramic incense burners of the period, and also much earlier and treasured ceramic artefacts, which were more suitably sized and ornately shaped for holding smaller bonsai, and may have been converted by the same crude methods. (Figure 11)
To locate an old Japanese or Chinese ceramic garden container with an age-appropriate hole forced through the base should not lead to the total and immediate
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