European Bonsai Potter Collective - Blog

Bryan Albright's ceramics collection.

1/11/2025

The 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!

Celebrating Excellence: Winners of the North American Bonsai Pottery Contest 2025.

17/10/2025

Honouring 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.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN - European Bonsai Pottery Contest 2026

15/10/2025

REGISTRATION 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

September 25th, 2025

25/9/2025

WELCOME - 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

Introducing the new UK Bonsai Pottery Contest!

11/9/2025

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

New EBPC Artist Member - FUSION CERAMICS of the Netherlands.

25/8/2025

Welcome to the EBPC!!

We are thrilled to welcome Dutch artist, Niels Van Der Wal as an official member of the EBPC.
- & offer this exclusive batch of just 6 'welcome edition' pots!

The bonsai ceramics of Niels Van Der Wal have been making waves in the Euro bonsai pottery scene recently, and many of you would have met Niels and seen his impressive pots at the EBPC stand of 'The Trophy' Exhibition in Belgium earlier this year.

Humble yet passionate, these works are a refreshing fusion of contemporary and traditional designs, through which Niels' love of geometry and elegant forms thrives.

To those of you who may not yet have had the pleasure, we are excited to introduce this up and coming artist!

A number of bonsai artists around Europe have commissioned or bought Fusion pots for their own trees, but as with many of Europe's ceramic artists, limited production can make them hard to acquire.

Niels has prepared an exclusive batch of just 6 EBPC stamped pots, which are available for you to purchase in-store as of now. ( 25th August midday).

Be sure to check out these great designs dressed in Fusion's superb glazes!

This trio of pots was Fusion Ceramic's magnificent entry for the 'The Trophy Belgium 2025 EBPC Pot Contest' this February.

Simple elegant forms harbouring highly textured decay, whisper of the synergy of grace and time.

- Don't miss the exclusive batch of bonsai pots available now in the EBPC Online Store - here.

- Read about Fusion Ceramics and Niels' works over on his EBPC Potter Profile here!

.... In-Store 25th August (Monday) at 12.00 GMT!

But most of all, please join us... in offering a warm welcome to the newest EBPC member,
our friend Niels Van Der Wal - FUSION CERAMICS!

Thank you for supporting the EBPC and our cherished bonsai potters and furniture makers of Europe.

When 4 decades of Studio Pottery expertise meets bonsai

30/7/2025

A warm welcome to Eddie Curtis - to the EBPC community of acclaimed bonsai ceramists!

Please join us in welcoming the highly acclaimed Studio Pottery ceramist, Eddie Curtis of the UK to the EBPC.

An exciting and momentous occasion for bonsai and its ceramics. Eddie brings decades of ceramic passion and expertise to European bonsai, with magnificent forms, glazes and textures as of yet unseen in quite this way in the bonsai world. Some of which represent the epitome of traditional Japanese ceramic finishes and others unique and originally created by himself.

Having long been a keen grower of bonsai, in his professional career, Eddie has passionately strived to recreate landscapes and natural textures through ceramic form and finishes.

Along with a tree, the pot is an essential part of a bonsai, both functionally and aesthetically. The appropriate choice of pot can be very useful in promoting certain features of a tree, and in suggesting the environment and story behind that bonsai.

Eddie's magnificent and suggestive bonsai ceramics are tactile and highly emotive, offering the bonsai artist a fresh, alternative approach to pot selection for exhibition quality trees.

'Discovered' by our mutual friend, the much loved Andrew Pearson, of Stone Monkey Ceramics, at a prestigious ceramics exhibition, Eddie was persuaded to create a series of pots for use with bonsai, which until then he had only done for his own trees.
A project is also currently underway with Peter Warren, who is creating 2 bonsai through a collaboration of Eddie's work and 2 of his own trees.

I believe that the 'crossing over' of this celebreated artist from Studio pottery to bonsai ceramics will be beneficial to the ongoing evolution of European bonsai and its ceramics, which will also introduce the world of bonsai to the far greater audience of studio pottery enthusiasts around the world.

Look out also for the coming article in 'Neue Keramik' magazine - written by Eddie Curtis, in which the EBPC and Peter Warren have also both contributed, that examines this crossover between the field of Studio Ceramics and the more niche field of Bonsai.
'Neue Keramik' is a German magazine focused on ceramics, and especially 'new ceramics' with both printed and online editions. The magazine also has an English version, reflecting the international nature and popularity of the ceramic field.

- Read more about Eddie Curtis and his works in his EBPC Potter Profile here!

- And don't miss the exclusive batch of bonsai pots by this famous artist in the EBPC Online-Store here.

.... In-Store 1st August (Friday) at 18.00 GMT!

Thank you for supporting the EBPC and our cherished bonsai potters and furniture makers of Europe.

Derek Aspinal - Some of Europe's most collectable pots! In-store NOW!!

26/7/2025

The EBPC is honoured to have been asked by the family of the late Derek Aspinall to sell the last few pots and suiseki by this iconic artist. Just 4 pots in total.

Derek Aspinal was one of Europe's pioneering bonsai potters in the 1980's , and his works continued to be highly prized throughout his career. Apsinall unfortunately passed away 23 years ago, however Aspinal pots are now some of the most collectable of European bonsai pots, and it is an honour to offer these historic pieces.

The larger 2 pots are BIG! .. and are hence ‘collection only’, and can be collected from the EBPC (in Surrey) or at UK exhibitions by prior arrangement.

Included is a pot the family advise us was the largest pot ever made by Derek, and a unique style 67cm crescent shell. These are rare pieces of European bonsai history, and exceptional pots for use or for pot collectors.

Thank you and enjoy viewing these wonderful pieces in-store now:
https://europeanbonsaipottercollective.ecwid.com/EBPC-SHOP-c31643116

#derekaspinallpots #ebpcpots #Europeanbonsaipottercollective #bonsaipots

Welcome - SlabndBonsai, Switzerland

9/7/2025

Rock steady talent from Switzerland.

Please join us in welcoming to the EBPC family of artists, an exciting new member from Switzerland, Robin Löhrer of SlabndBonsai!

These Impressive slab style pots have impressively convincing rock-like textures and tones, and are created in forms most suitable for a variety of bonsai tree styles.

Robin has been creating artificial rock creations for around a decade and has experimented with various materials and techniques. SlabndBonsai artificial rock creations are constructed from a modern composite material which has been proven durable and plant friendly for over 5 years of use.

A limited edition of just 4 pots available - In-Store

The EBPC is very excited to offer a limited edition of just 4 of these beautiful slab pots, in varying sizes and forms.

These will be available in-store on Thursday 10th July @ 18.00 (g.m.t.)

Although slab style pots are often used for coniferous trees, they can also make a wonderful home for many other deciduous and flowering species. We look forward to seeing your creations with slab style pots!

Read more on SlabndBonsai's EBPC Potter Profile here!

- And be sure to check out our first batch of slabs by SlabndBonsai after 18.00 on Thursday in the EBPC Online-Store here.

Thank you for supporting the EBPC and our cherished bonsai potters and furniture makers of Europe.

The TROPHY 2026 - Euro Bonsai Pottery Contest! * Details now released!

1/7/2025

TROPHY Bonsai Exhibition, Belgium

- EBPC Pot Display 2026!

Full details of the European Bonsai Pottery Contest 2026, as hosted by The Trophy, Belgium
are available NOW!

   Including:

- The European Bonsai Pottery Contest 2026

   - The Collector's Display

   - The Honorary Display

FIND ALL THE DETAILS FOR SUBMITTING AN ENTRY HERE:
( EBPC website > upper menu > '2026 Bonsai Pot Contests' )

It is an honour to organise this special annual event, which grows in splendor year by year.

If you are a bonsai potter, or a collector of high-quality bonsai ceramics, please consider participating and submit an entry for consideration. We would love for you to be a part of Europe's most exciting bonsai pottery event.

Participating not only allows people to appreciate your ceramics - but will also help support and promote European bonsai pottery across the world.

- Show your ceramics off to a global audience.
- Share your ceramics with thousands of bonsai enthusiasts at the event.
- Support European Bonsai Pottery.

Since starting the culture of bonsai pot displays in Europe years ago, the EBPC'S mission has been to encourage not only a deeper appreciation for ceramics in bonsai, but also to create a haven where bonsai potters, collectors, and visitors from around the world can meet, gather and discuss their passion of bonsai ceramics.

For 2026, we have also invited an accomplished and revered guest artist from Japan, to exhibit a central 'honorary display' of his own painted porcelain ceramics - Not to be missed!

We thank you for your support and participation.

#EuropeanBonsaiPotteryContest #TrophyBonsaiExhibition #EuropeanBonsaiPotterCollective #BonsaiExhibition #EBPCstampedPots #BonsaiPotteryContest #Bonsaipottery #Bonsailove