<![CDATA[European Bonsai Potter Collective

<![CDATA[European Bonsai Potter Collective - Blog]]>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 18:02:56 +0000Weebly<![CDATA[The European Bonsai Pottery Contest 2026 at The Trophy Exhibition, Belgium.]]>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:01:17 GMThttps://www.europeanbonsaipottercollective.com/blog/the-european-bonsai-pottery-contest-2026-at-the-trophy-exhibition-belgiumThe European Bonsai Pottery Contest 2026
at The Trophy Exhibition, Belgium.

THE WINNERS!

Once again, Europe's most popular bonsai exhibition celebrated in style in February 2026. In addition to the magnificent show of exceptional bonsai trees from around Europe, were world class demonstrations by leading Japanese artists, father and son 'team Suzuki.

The EBPC is proud to organise exciting ceramics events each year at the Trophy Exhibition.

This year's exhibition saw a number of pottery event 'firsts' in the west, with: an honorary display of the finest Japanese bonsai pottery ever displayed outside of Asia, the first pottery painting demonstration by a leading Japanese artist, the first display of winning American pots in Europe, and not to mention of course, the first European Bonsai Pottery Contest!

The pot display, was a celebration of the passion of both European potters and collectors. At almost 200ft in length, the pot display consisted a central 'honorary' display, with the European Bonsai Pottery Contest to one side, and a 'collector' category on the other.

Displays by 30 European potters were exhibited, alongside 20 displays from collectors of bonsai ceramics from around the world.

EUROPEAN BONSAI POTTERY CONTEST 2026

The majority of the pottery exhibition was devoted to European Bonsai Pottery Contest.

Displays by 30 talented bonsai ceramists were exhibited, with a fascinating diversity in materials, forms and finishes. As well as traditional clay and porcelain, more innovative materials (for bonsai) were used, including sculpted solid stone and Terrazzo. The quality of exhibits was highly commendable, with artists displaying their finest works.

It was a delight to witness such a wide variety of the highest quality bonsai ceramics from around Europe.

CONGRATULATIONS to the contest winners!

UNGLAZED
- JURI MARTENS, GERMANY

GLAZED
- NIELS VAN DER WAL, NETHERLANDS

DECORATED
- MARTIN ENGLERT, GERMANY

1ST PLACE OVERALL
- MARTIN ENGLERT, GERMANY

CONGRATULATIONS to Martin Englert for his exquisite display, and for winning the first European Bonsai Pottery Contest!

Thank you to all of the artists for participating in this historic event, and congratulations to the winners.

]]><![CDATA[The most outstanding ‘TROPHY Bonsai Exhibition’ concludes!]]>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 18:47:16 GMThttps://www.europeanbonsaipottercollective.com/blog/the-most-outstanding-trophy-bonsai-exhibition-concludesThe most outstanding ‘TROPHY Bonsai Exhibition’ concludes!

… what a weekend!

It has been emotional. As months of hard work & preparation came to fruition this weekend, thousands enjoyed the largest & most sensational bonsai exhibition outside of Asia – The Trophy 2026!

Year on year, since starting the annual pot displays here in 2019, I've witnessed the ‘bonsai pottery’ aspect of the exhibition become increasingly significant and popular – and this year it was truly spectacular! It is an honour & privilege to organise the pottery aspect, and now European contest - at such a prestigious exhibition.

THE weekend of the bonsai year for many Europeans’. - One of the many great things about this hobby / artform is the lifelong friendships we make along the way. There aren’t many places where thousands of people, with a passion in common, meet from every corner of the world. ... people at first – but soon good friends that you look forward to seeing for just a weekend every year (albeit always too briefly!).
Bonsai is also about community, and the EBPC cherishes your support and friendship.

My heartfelt thanks go to all those that helped make this magnificent weekend of events possible.

Although impossible to name everyone, I'd especially like to thank:

- The 30 ceramic artists that exhibited their works.
- The 20 pot collectors that exhibited.
- EBPC stand potters: Fusion (Niels & Pjotr), Kanso (Rosa), Terrajade (Julien), & Shibusa (Lorenzo).

With special thanks going to our HONOURED GUESTS:
* Mr Nakayama Senzan - for his attendance – exquisite pottery display – talk & demonstration – & judging.
* Haruko Ohno, of 盆栽大野　Bonsai-ohno - for translating & for her invaluable help (and Japanese lessons!).
* Angelica Ramirez of Discover Potters, & her father Angel - for their attendance & creating the bespoke lighting.

* Our friends from Turkey, including artists İlker Durak and Hüseyin Soylu.
* Other friends & helpers: Peter, Jens, Simon, The Triskele Group, Philip, Maarten and others.

And to our esteemed JUDGES:
- Mr Nakayama Senzan of Japan.
- Mr German Gomez Soler of Spain.
- Mr Harald Lehner of Germany.

The highly talented photographer:
- Mr Jörg Derlien.

And of course, a huge thank you to Christian, Luc, Roald, Danny, Erik, Danny, and all at The Trophy by Bonsai Association Belgium for their extensive year-round work that makes an event like this possible.

Here are some moments for now, from The Trophy 2026 - one I will never forget!

In coming days, I’ll be adding more posts for each of the pottery highlights organised by the EBPC:

- The POTTERY EXHIBITION, featuring:
o WINNERS – European Bonsai Pottery Contest 2026.
o European Bonsai Pottery Contest
o Exclusive Nakayama Senzan 17-piece Pot Display.
* including 10 museum pieces.
o Collector’s Display!
o NABPC ’25 (N. American B Pottery Contest) winner
display.

- Nakayama Senzan POT TALK
o with PAINTING DEMONSTRATION!

- EBPC Stand.
o hosting 5 exciting European Potters.

Thank you for supporting the EBPC and great European Bonsai Pottery & Display.

#Europeanbonsaipottercollective #trophybonsai #Senzan #europeanbonsaipotterycontest #bonsaiassociationbelgium #thetrophybonsai #potterycontest #bonsaiexhibition #BonsaiPots #ebpcpots

]]><![CDATA[Announcing guest of honour, Mr Nakayama Senzan!]]>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 11:04:38 GMThttps://www.europeanbonsaipottercollective.com/blog/announcing-guest-of-honour-mr-nakayama-senzan

Witness a display of 18 exquisite bonsai pots by one of Japan’s leading painter of pots. 

The 2026 Trophy is sure to be very special for those who appreciate pots.

The EBPC is very excited to welcome as a guest of honour, the painter of exquisite Japanese bonsai pots, Mr Nakayama Senzan.

Senzan san will delight us with a display of 18 of his distinguished and highly detailed painted pots - some made especially for this event, including some bearing the EBPC stamp!

Nakayama Senzan. Awarded Gold - 16th Contemporary Kobachi Artists exhibition 2021.

Mr Nakayama Senzan will also kindly be judging the European Bonsai Potter Contest, alongside 2 other esteemed professionals.

It will be an honour and a privilege to witness such a display of works by this multi award winning artist in person.

For those who have participated in the European Bonsai Potter Contest, Mr Senzan has agreed to give an exclusive 30 minute talk by his pot display, discussing his style, techniques and a little of painted themes, such as ukiyo-e.

We are also delighted to welcome Mr Senzan as an honorary member of the EBPC!

You can read more about this exciting artist in his EBPC Potter Profile.

We look forward to seeing you at the Trophy exhibition!

- For information on the exhibition please see here: trophy

#bonsaipot #bonsaitree #bonsaitrees# europeanbonsaipottercollective #bonsaiworld #bonsaiart #bonsailife #bonsailifestyle #japan #genk #bonsaiassociationbelgium #bonsaitrophy #bonsai

]]><![CDATA[Variety & excellence in crystalline glazes.]]>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 14:36:07 GMThttps://www.europeanbonsaipottercollective.com/blog/variety-excellence-in-crystalline-glazesA celebration of the diversity & awe of crystalline glazes by esteemed French artist, Bruno Auvinet.

Once a year, we are treated to a select batch of just 10 exquisite pots by Bruno. Each piece is unique, with its own identity, yet bearing Auvinet's distinct style.

Over 2025, Bruno created an admirable batch of just 10 EBPC stamped pots, displaying the variety and magnificence of crystalline glazes he has developed and manipulated.

The pots are well proportioned and traditional in their refined forms. The breath-taking glazes are in tones chosen to compliment trees, yet provide endless interest and awe.

... These 10 pots will be available to purchase from 18.00 (gmt) today, in-store at:
https://europeanbonsaipottercollective.ecwid.com/EBPC...

Above are 3 examples from the EBPC stamped range available in-store this evening.

Thank you for supporting the EBPC & great European bonsai pottery & display.

#Europeanbonsaipottercollective #brunoauvinet #crystallineglaze #ceramicglaze #bonsaipottery #bonsai #ceramicart #ebpcpots

]]><![CDATA[IAN BAILLIE bonsai pots - In-Store today! (from 18.00 gmt)]]>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.europeanbonsaipottercollective.com/blog/ian-baillie-bonsai-pots-in-store-today-from-1800-gmtTimeless glazes and forms.

My favourite part of this job is when new batches of pots arrive from one of the true greats of European bonsai ceramics.

An inspirational artist and a true gentleman, Ian Baillie of Scotland was one of the pioneers in the field of European bonsai ceramics, having been providing Europe with exquisite bonsai pots for decades. Ian was also instrumental in creating the Scottish Bonsai Association in 1978, which thrives to this day.

Ian makes a low quantity of high quality ceramics - producing limited batches 2 or 3 times a year. The EBPC is very proud to be the main supplier of these magnificent bonsai ceramics, and we thank Ian for his ongoing trust and support.

On Saturday 29th Nov., a batch of 14 pots will be available in-store, which will be the 22nd EBPC stamped batch we have sold for Ian over the past 8 years.

You can admire or buy the pots (after 18.00 gmt) In-Store here!

I feel this pot encompasses many of the characteristics that make Ian's pots so popular and timeless. The impressive aged-looking multi-layer glaze is quite typical of Ian's work, as are the scroll feet and thin banding, both of which are quite traditional features that add further refinement to these distinguished containers.

Ian's work is known for the recognisable style we have got to know over decades. His techniques have been honed and his pallet of forms and glazes enriched, whilst always remaining true to his distinct style.

A limited edition of 14 pots will be available from 18.00 g.m.t. / 19.00 c.e.t. on Saturday 29th November.
Please note: We regrettably do not currently ship to the United States of America

Thank you for supporting the EBPC and helping us bring you great European bonsai ceramics and furniture.

#Europeanbonsaipottercollective #ianbaillie #ianbailliebonsaipots #ebpcpots #ebpc #bonsaipot #bonsaipottery #bonsaiceramics #bonsai

]]><![CDATA[Bryan Albright's ceramics collection.]]>Sat, 01 Nov 2025 11:57:03 GMThttps://www.europeanbonsaipottercollective.com/blog/bryan-albrights-ceramics-collectionThe first batch of 25 pieces are In-Store NOW.

The EBPC is honoured to have been asked by Bryan Albright to help distribute his entire personal collection of ceramics.

A UK artist and a pioneer of European bonsai pottery, Bryan Albright dedicated his life to ceramics, especially bonsai ceramics, which all began over 4 decades ago.
Reflecting his passion for ceramics, for most of his life Bryan also collected fascinating and beautiful ceramics from around the world. As Bryan is sadly not well, he has decided to part from his ceramics collection - and allow others to benefit from his lifelong passion.

With over 200 pieces, including those from the Ming, Tang and Song dynasty of China, antique and vintage Japanese, to Bryan's own work and that of other European potters, the pieces include studio pottery, bonsai ceramics, and a wealth of other collectable ceramics.

You can see the pieces available in-store here:

Thank you for supporting great European Bonsai ceramics and display!

]]><![CDATA[Celebrating Excellence: Winners of the North American Bonsai Pottery Contest 2025.]]>Fri, 17 Oct 2025 14:22:29 GMThttps://www.europeanbonsaipottercollective.com/blog/celebrating-excellence-winners-of-the-north-american-bonsai-pottery-contest-2025Honouring Artistic Mastery and Innovation in Bonsai Ceramics.

With the significance of bonsai ceramics witnessing an ongoing surge in the West, the 13th of September 2025 saw the birth of the first International North American Bonsai Pottery Contest (NABPC) in Rochester, New York.

The NABPC was a celebration of the art, and the ceramics displayed are truly something to behold. It has been a pleasure to witness such commitment and dedication to the art, by both the extraordinary artists, and by the facilitators of the event.

Organised by Angelica Ramirez of Discover Potters and hosted by the American Bonsai Society (ABS) as part of their Learning Seminars, this premiere juried exhibition brought together the finest ceramicists from across the North America, each eager to showcase their creativity, technical prowess, and reverence for the art of bonsai ceramics.

Throughout this article, please use the underlined links, for more images and information on the Discover Potters website.

The EBPC is proud to sponsor this prestigious event, and support our bonsai friends across the water. The event is a celebration of traditional and innovative bonsai pottery, and aims to record and further fuel the increasing desire for quality artisanal ceramics.

Included in the display were ceramics by two ‘Honorary’ EBPC members.
Roy Minarai created an exciting display in the honorary display category, and Anthony Smith of Willow Bonsai was awarded 1st place in the ‘contemporary glazed’ category, as seen below.

Winner: Contemporary Glazed Category. Willow Bonsai (EBPC Member Artist)

A showcase of Contemporary & Traditional categories

Artists from across America and Canada produced very impressive entries for the following categories:

ECHOES OF TRADITION; Expressions of modern artistry.
- Traditional Unglazed Category
- Traditional Glazed Category

COSMIC CREATIONS; Pioneering the bonsai frontier.
- Contemporary Unglazed Category
- Contemporary Glazed Category

In addition to the sensational pot contest, visitors were treated to the non-competitive ‘honorary exhibits’ from a selection of celebrated ceramicists, including: Gayle Fiato, Roy Minarai, April Grigsby, Sara Rayner, and by French artist, The Ghost Potter.

The cure for boredom. Roy Minarai (EBPC artist member). Wood Fired in Anagama Kiln

Bonsai has a habit of creating lifelong friendships and strong bonds are often formed within the bonsai community, so when the community loses cherished friends and artists, it is always strongly felt by many.

Tribute displays were also created to honour and remember three such friends; Nick Lenz, Pauline Muth, and the U.K.’s Andrew Pearson of Stone Monkey Ceramics.

The last Alhambra Foutain 2024, Spain Edition. From the last Triskele collaboration with Andrew Pearson. Created by Andrew Pearson and Nick Hopes.

In Memoriam. ANDREW PEARSON - Stone Monkey Ceramics - United Kingdom 1968-2024

A testimony of distinction.

Judging a contest with such a varied and impressive selection of entries is no easy task. Being both functional items, and pieces of art in their own right, the ceramic entries displayed high levels of technical ability, combined with a deep appreciation of both bonsai and the ceramics they require. A spectacular display of workmanship, creativity and utility.

Bonsai as an artform is ever evolving, and whilst understanding and respecting the traditions that underlie bonsai is important, innovation and progression of bonsai ceramics is also to be encouraged and celebrated.

The display encompassed a diverse range of artistic styles, forms and finishes, which was exciting to see, as it reflects the diverse range of bonsai trees and styles we cultivate and enjoy. Majestic and elegant traditional forms, expressive glazes, and some highly creative modern designs and interpretations. I would encourage anyone to spend a little time viewing all of the entries, through the links above.

'Flower Pattern' by Stacy Allen Muse

Meet the Winners

After careful deliberation by a panel of esteemed judges, the winners were announced to much anticipation. Winning pots were lauded for their originality, craftsmanship, and functionality as a bonsai container.

First Place

Second Place

Third Place

Nao Tokutake. Winner: Traditional Glazed.

Doug Trythall. Winner: Contemporary Unglazed.

Nao Tokutake. Winner: Traditional Unglazed.

The Trophies

The 2025 NABPC Trophies were created by a talented group of North American artists who have recently come together to form Third Wheel Potters.

Third Wheel Potters comprises three talented artists and friends: Eli Akins, Robert Wallace and Preston Tolbert.

You can read more here:

Sharing in a mutual passion

The ABS Exhibition and the NABPC contest take place every two years, with the next edition in 2027. If you can't wait until then for more great bonsai pottery, don't miss the Trophy's European Bonsai Pottery Contest 28th March - 1st March 2026.

We are delighted to announce that some of the winning pots from this NABPC will also be displayed at The European Bonsai Pottery Contest at The Trophy, in Belgium, as honorary exhibits for all to appreciate and enjoy. The winning pots from The Trophy’s EBPC pottery contest will also have the opportunity to be displayed at the NABPC in New York.

This collaboration between the NABPC and the EBPC & The Trophy reflects the friendship and support often found in bonsai, and we are confident it will inspire potters and further strengthen the bonds between our two communities.

Oribe oval - by Sara Rayner.

Congratulations!

to all of the potters that contributed to this inspirational contest. Being selected to display at such an event is an admirable achievement and each artist deserves our thanks and admiration.

]]><![CDATA[** REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN ** - European Bonsai Pottery Contest 2026]]>Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:34:44 GMThttps://www.europeanbonsaipottercollective.com/blog/-registration-is-now-open-european-bonsai-pottery-contest-2026REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

- European Bonsai Pottery Contest 2026 - At the Trophy, Belgium.

Potters & collectors can now submit their entry to the Trophy Bonsai Exhibition 2026 Pot Display, which now includes the 'European Bonsai Pottery Contest'.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

Please register your entry for the Trophy Pot Display
- as a potter, or a collector,

at https://bonsaiassociation.be/pot-registration/

BEFORE
15th December 2026

This prestigious annual European event showcases the very best in bonsai trees, ceramics and suiseki.

We urge all European bonsai potters to participate and to support the show and bonsai community at large. The contribution and support of all artists and collectors is very much appreciated.

The European Bonsai Pottery Contest & Collector's Display are organised by the EBPC.
For full information on the pottery contest and display, please click here.

Thank you for helping support great European bonsai ceramics and display.

#europeanbonsaipottercollective #Trophybonsai #Trophybonsaiexhibition #Bonsaiexhibition #Bonsaipottery #EBPCpots #Bonsaipots #Japanesebonsaipots #BonsaiPotDisplay

]]><![CDATA[September 25th, 2025]]>Thu, 25 Sep 2025 07:45:12 GMThttps://www.europeanbonsaipottercollective.com/blog/september-25th-2025WELCOME - New EBPC member artist from France - Terrajade

One of the few brave enough to be a full-time bonsai potter in Europe - the EBPC are excited to welcome Julien Le Guen of Terrajade to the EBPC family of artists.

An ongoing balance of consistency and constant experimenting guides Julien to produce ever more desirable pots, from small accents through to XL sized pots, all hand made and in various shapes and finishes.

Julien was with us at the EBPC stand at the Trophy Exhibition in February, showing off his wares. Impressive work with an already strong following - be sure to check them out if you are at Trophy 2026!

Read all about Terrajade bonsai pots on Julien's EBPC Potter Profile here:
https://www.europeanbonsaipottercollective.com/terrajade...

To celebrate the launch of his EBPC Membership,
Julien created a select batch of EBPC stamped Terrajade pots.

This edition of pots will be available - in the EBPC Store
- at 18.00 TODAY. (gmt)!!

** DON'T MISS IT **

Once again, a very warm welcome to Julien, we very much look forward to working with you and seeing more of your wonderful work.

Thank you for supporting the EBPC and our cherished European bonsai potters!

#Europeanbonsaipottercollective #ebpcmember #terrajade #julienleguen #francebonsai #bonsaipots #bonsaipot #ebpcpots

]]><![CDATA[Introducing the new UK Bonsai Pottery Contest!]]>Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:28:31 GMThttps://www.europeanbonsaipottercollective.com/blog/introducing-the-new-uk-bonsai-pottery-contest

The UK Bonsai Ceramics Contest - UKBCC

To celebrate the increasing popularity of quality ceramics - we are very excited to announce the new annual 'UK Bonsai Ceramics Contest!

( Full Information here! )

The event will be hosted annually at one of the UK's premiere shows - Expo BonsaiUK. Organised by the EBPC, in association with the UK Bonsai Association.

The aim of this annual contest is to celebrate and promote bonsai ceramics and our cherished bonsai potters of the UK.

The UKBCC provides a platform for potters to exhibit their latest designs & finest works to the world, whilst helping to educate enthusiasts and to further cultivate the ever-increasing popularity of UK bonsai and its ceramics.

It is considerable work to organise, and we very much appreciate your participation and support to make this a special annual event on the bonsai calendar.

If you are a potter – either amateur or professional, your participation will help support and promote UK bonsai pottery. This is not about prizes, but about the passion of European bonsai ceramics, both traditional and those that push the boundaries.

The EBPC website now has ALL the information you could desire about the contest. - Check it out now!

https://www.europeanbonsaipottercollective.com/uk-bonsai...

We thank you all for your ongoing support and look forward to seeing some of the best pots in the UK at the event on Sun, 12th April 2026.

#Europeanbonsaipottercollective #ukbcc #ukbonsaiceramics #ukbonsaiceramicscontest #bonsaiexpouk #ukbonsaiassociation #bonsaiexhibition #bonsaipots #ebpcpotdisplays

]]>

​EUROPEAN BONSAI POTTERY CONTEST ​ 2026