bonsaipots.net

Mini Porcelain 3

“The Illustrious love the landscape because to them hills and groves are locations to foster the purity of the character. Murmuring rivers and steep rocks are locations of constant joy of songs and music.”

(From Kuo Hsi's “Ode to Forests and Founts”)

Picture 1

Cleyera japonica, Width 28 cm (11 in), Chinese pot, about 80 to 100 years old.

This cult of nature is also reflected in the paintings on old and new Chinese bonsai porcelain pots. The images document man's desire to live in accordance with nature.

Picture 2

Fig, Ficus erecta, Height: 14 cm (5 1/2 in), Chinese pot, about 80 to 100 years old.

In the West we seem to have forgotten about this desire since we're independent of nature, we don't need it any more. This might explain the low esteem of landscape painting in western art.

Picture 3

Chinese pot, about 80 years old.

For people who think differently I'd like to presend a few mini pots in this article. This white pot shows four image frames. On the front and back frames, people and landscape are depicted in inseparable harmony, probably a tribute to spring, which is also indicated by the depiction of three wise men or scholars as symbol for the three months of spring. Given the small size (6.9 x 4.0 cm, 2 3/4 x 1 1/2 in), the images are of remarkable liveliness.

Picture 4

Three scolars

On the side frames there are Chinese characters. The small pot must have gone through a lot; everywhere there are small chippings, the scars of time.

Picture 5

Side of the pot.

These small Chinese pots are a tribute to nature too.

Picture 6

Chinese porcelain pot, about 80 years old. Diameter 10 cm (4 in), height 6 cm (2 1/4 in).

Picture 7

Back side

Picture 8

Chinese porcelain pot, about 80 years old. Diameter 10 cm (4 in), height 6 cm (2 1/4 in).

Picture 9

Back side with a spring poem.

Picture 10

Side of the pot.

In Japan, too, painted porcelain and ceramic pots are highly valued. The following pots have been painted in the typical Japanese style, and again, the themes are a tribute to nature. Collectors and enthusiasts will pay up to 5000.- Euro for these kinds of pots.

Picture 11