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.
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)
Artists from across America and Canada produced very impressive entries for the following categories:
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.
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
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
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.
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.  A warm welcome to Eddie Curtis - to the EBPC community of acclaimed bonsai ceramists!
 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. 
- 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. 
The product of passion and dedication over decades, Ian's inspirational designs focus on distinguished forms and glazes that he has developed to best enhance a tree's splendour.
As far as the EBPC is concerned, Ian Baillie is a master of European bonsai pottery, and it is our pleasure and honour to make his work available to you.
Click to read more about Ian Baillie in his EBPC Potter Profile.
A limited batch of just 18 high-quality pots by Ian Baillie of Scotland will be available on Thursday 14th at 18.00 (G.M.T) in the EBPC Shop ! Thank you for supporting the EBPC & great European bonsai artisans. ……After many years of an ‘open invite’, we are delighted to announce that the well-known & much-loved French artist ‘Greg-Ceramics’ of France is now officially a member of the EBPC family. Please JOIN US in WELCOMING Greg to the EBPC, your comments are interactions are much appreciated and help spread the word! 
With artists as celebrated as Greg however, it is easy and a pleasure!! This highly acclaimed artist was eligible to join from the beginning. Greg has been enabling and inspiring the bonsai community for well over a decade with his distinguished and often intricate creations, and the EBPC are honoured to recommend highly Greg’s wonderful artisan bonsai ceramics. WELCOME GREG to the EBPC !! Greg has created a wonderful collection of pots for EBPC customers, which we are very proud to release this Sunday at the UK’s premiere bonsai show – Bonsai Expo UK! .. A taster for you.
These bespoke artisanal pots are EBPC stamped and made to exacting standards, in Greg’s unmistakable and distinctive style. A special batch of pots! 3 of these were the pots Greg displayed at this year's 'Bonsai Trophy Exhibition' and will forever be recorded in the Trophy annual book. Great forms and exceptional organic glazed finishes, where muted tones meet blossoming crystal formations.
We thank you for supporting the EBPC, and great artists like Greg Ceramics. #Europeanbonsaipottercollective #gregceramics #ebpcstampedpots #ebpcpots #bonsaiexpouk #BonsaiExpo #ebpcmember 
Please join us in offering a warm welcome to new EBPC member Nick Hopes of Maidenhair Ceramics, Spain!! A bonsai enthusiast of 3 decades, in just the past 2 years Nick has been wowing the bonsai community with his bonsai pots and has certainly proven himself as a more than capable artist. Nick’s magnificent designs, attention to detail and glazes have captivated many and his works are already used by a few great artists!
Nick will be joining us at UKBA EXPOBONSAI 2024 this coming Sunday (14th April ), and has brought just a few EBPC stamped gems along for some lucky customers!  EBPC Stamped Dragon-scale carved pots in a luxurious glaze by Maidenhair Ceramics, Spain. Welcome Nick to the EBPC family! #Europeanbonsaipottercollective #maidenhairceramics #ebpcstampedpots #ebpcpots #bonsaiexpouk #BonsaiExpo #ebpcmember Www.Europeanbonsaipottercollective.com
 PLEASE give a WARM EBPC WELCOME to our new Members – the truly lovely and extremely talented couple; Nadja & Sandro Tschudin of Switzerland - aka Kawasemi Studios! The EBPC are thrilled to be working with Nadja & Sandro, and to be able to bring their expertise and wealth of knowledge to you!
... As a bonsai related artform, Suiseki has long been displayed at high level bonsai exhibitions, both as an accent with a tree, as well as on their own. Thanks to their high power of suggestion, such stones reflect the essence of landscapes, people, animals and other objects. Through the art of suiseki, Kawasemi Studios help us to experience the entire universe and cultivate a mindful approach to ourselves and others.
'Our aim is to provide everything you need for Suiseki: stones, the wooden bases, Suiban, matching scrolls and also education and knowledge. Like this we want to share our love for stones and fine arts as well as raise people's awareness of how to combine elements in displays'.
Kawasemi add an exciting new dimension to the EBPC. We are delighted to welcome Nadja & Sandro into the EBPC family and look forward to learning more about the world of Suiseki and Kawasemi Studios. You can view Kawasemi's POTTER PROFILE & GALLERY of WORKS here!  Thank you for supporting the EBPC and great European Bonsai Potters.
Your support enables us to bring you more .. More Info, more Choice & more Value!  These wonderful pots, handmade in France, have some beautiful unglazed finishes and excellent glazes including; Okinawa, Mursakino, Lichen, Translucent Crackle Green. Check them out in-store NOW! - https://europeanbonsaipottercollective.ecwid.com/EBPC...
 #sabinebesnard #sabinebesnardceramics #ebpcpots #pottery #bonsai #bonsaipots #Europeanbonsaipottercollective #bonsaitree #crystallineglaze #bonsai #盆栽 #盆栽鉢 Www.europeanbonsaipottercollective.com Thank you for helping support great European Bonsai Pottery!
We are delighted to offer you this exceptional range of high quality pots by Yaruki Ceramics of Rome, Italy. These EBPC-stamped pots are a special edition range - that Yaruki has been perfecting. Each pot has an individual character with unique and meticulously attended detail and exquisite glazes and finishes. ** EBPC DIRECT - Your pot will be sent to you DIRECTLY from the artist in Italy. (No import charges to EU!) AVAILABLE NOW in the EBPC store Www.EuropeanBonsaiPotterCollective.com #yarukiceramics #ebpcpot #bonsai #盆栽 #盆栽鉢 #bonsaiita #ceramics #bonsaipottery #shohin |
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