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. 

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.

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.

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.

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

•      Antony Smith (Contemporary Glazed)
•      Doug Trythall (Contemporary Unglazed)     
•      Nao Tokutake (Traditional Glazed)
•      Nao Tokutake (Unglazed)  
  

Second Place

• Stacy Allen Muse (Contemporary Glazed)
• Denise Soultanian (Contemporary Unglazed)
• Mary J. Lai (Wife of Nao Tokutake, Traditional Glazed)
• Mary J. Lai (Wife of Nao Tokutake, Traditional Unglazed)

 
Third Place

• Justine Stelmach (Contemporary Glazed)
• Thomas Adcock (Contemporary Unglazed)
• Kenneth V. Hanna (Traditional Glazed): 
• Mark Hanner (Traditional Unglazed)

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.
 

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. 

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.  
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                                            .... 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.

​A dedicated family man, Andrew was a loving husband and father, and a loyal and caring friend to many, including myself. He will be sorely missed by many. Our thoughts go out to his wife Marie and family. 

Andrew's work is therefore usually recognisable at a glance, as is often the case for the very best artists. ​

​Instrumental in the formation of the EBPC in 2017, Andrew was not only a big inspiration, but was also very supportive from the very inception. Many exquisite Stone Monkey Ceramics pots, with EBPC stamps, are now in the hands of enthusiasts worldwide, for which we are very grateful to him. Representing Andrew and his world-class bonsai ceramics has been an honour and a pleasure. 
​

​In 2015, with the encouragement of Peter Warren and Akiyama San, Andrew was invited to take part in the 10th Annual Shohachi contest at the Gafu Ten in Kyoto, Japan.

​An incredible honour, especially as non-Japanese were not previously eligable to participated. ​

Not only was Andrew the first non-Japanese artist invited to participate in this world leading contest, but he went on to take gold in the unglazed category! His attention to detail was outstanding, in both the razor sharp lines and relief carvings.

​In so doing, Andrew helped strengthen the bond with Japanese bonsai, and also open the gates for other leading artists across the world to be able enter this prestigious event.

In 2015 Andrew also decided with friends and fellow well-known potters Tom Benda and Thor Holvila, to meet on a yearly basis at a new location, and produce unique artisanal pieces created as a fusion of three very different styles. The Triskele group was born. 

​Andrew was also a big fan of studio ceramics, and I was always absorbed when I got the chance to see his collection. ​Especially fascinating to him were the Mashiko style works resulting from the collaboration between Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada in the 1920's, and the great artists this movement has produced since. 

In a professional capacity, Andrew spent 7 years as a paramedic before joining Transport for London in 1998, to which he dedicated the next 26 years. After just 3 years he had become a fire compliance specialist, at which he excelled. A decade later, in 2011, Andrew progressed to Fire Engineer, which he continued to thrive at until his untimely passing.
At the end of January 2025, Andrew was due to retire from his work at the London Underground, to concentrate on his ceramics full time. 

Andrew was very well known in the global bonsai community. He was a multi-award winning artist, and was the feature of a multitude of articles in various magazine and book publications. 

Many bonsai potters, including some of Europe & America's most celebrated, have benefited from the help and words of advice of this great artist. Andrew liked to share his knowledge to the benefit of other artists and to improve bonsai ceramics in general. 

Andrew's legacy will live on, in those touched by his generous nature, in his thousands of exquisite creations, and through his impact on European and global bonsai ceramics.

​

​A memorial will be held for Andrew on Saturday 4th January, 2025 – 1pm start.
​
     The Community Centre -  Tn126eb
     Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, Kent.
     
◦            We will be there until 7pm, you are welcome to stay as long as you wish
◦            We have booked the whole centre where is plenty of parking and everyone is welcome.
◦            no dress code, just wear your favourite outfit.
◦          If you'd like to make a gift we're setting up a Justgiving page for donations to The Ambulance Staff Charity.
◦            It's an easy walk from Paddock Wood Train Station.
◦            Please let me know if you intend to come for catering purposes and any dietary requirements.
◦            Also, please let me know if you would like to say something.
◦            Please use this email:                 [email protected]
*Also use this email for any messages, memories and photographs of Andy you wish to share.

Goodbye my dear friend. Rest in peace. 

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.  

 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. 

Exquisite entries from 33 of Europe's most talented bonsai potters were featured this year, in the EBPC Pot Display at the prestigious 'Trophy Bonsai Exhibition' over a magnificent 100ft display.

The quality and diverse variety of entries this year was particularly impressive, with entries ranging from the classical styles, to cutting edge techniques and  contemporary themes. We will look at the display in full in another article. 

​ The winning entry was this striking wide-rim ceramic pot with a Lotus-shaped form and bespoke wooden base, by Fukurou Ceramics of Switzerland.

The pot has a wonderful blue/green aquamarine glaze, with impressive crystal nucleation​. The lower part of this piece is an intricate, structurally designed wooden base that the pot inserts seamlessly into. Also made by the artist, the structure and inlay technique used here, further showcase his exceptional and varied talents.

... From Fukurou's EBPC Potter Profile: 
'Fukurou Ceramics are the bonsai ceramic creations of Patrik Luthi, a gifted artist from the picturesque country of Switzerland. These high-quality handmade pieces have a touch of the Japanese aesthetic, yet retain a distinctive ‘Fukurou’ style. Designs are inspired by classical forms and are very suitable for use with good quality bonsai trees. ‘As with bonsai, I feel mostly attracted by the traditional pots, but love to develop new glaze recipes and new shapes.’
 
Being the grandson of a woodsman, and having grown up around the woods, mountains and lakes of Switzerland, Patrik has always had a close affinity with nature and has kept bonsai for over a decade. Studying at the renowned Kitoras Bonsai School under Nicola Crivelli, Patrik has developed a keen eye for bonsai design and aesthetics – an essential requisite for creating high quality bonsai ceramics.  
 
Pots are mostly thrown on a potter’s wheel, or slab built and come in a variety of forms. Unglazed wares come in a range of clays, including a wonderful dark grey, and a reddish-brown clay. No commercial glazes are used, as Patrik enjoys experimenting and creating exciting new glazes.'

Thank you to Patrik, and all of the talented artists that contributed to the magnificent display of bonsai ceramics this year. 
Please look out for the coming post on the Pot Display. 

Thank you for following and supporting the EPBC.


​

The tones and textures of nature have always been the main inspiration for Sabine Besnard's glazes. Together with her husband Francois, glazes are created and recreated, often experimenting for months, until the desired effects are realised. 

Below is a catalogue of the wonderful glazes of Sabine Besnard's ceramics.   
​I hope you enjoy these as much as we have. 

​Thank you for viewing the glazes of Sabine Besnard Céramiques. 

New pots will be in-store Wednesday 20th December 2023. @ 18.30 G.M.T.

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! 

'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!

                                             SUBMISSIONS TAKEN FROM  15th JULY - 28th NOVEMBER 2023!
 
                                                            CALLING ALL BONSAI CERAMISTS of EUROPE
 
In February 2024, Europe’s most prestigious bonsai exhibition will again be hosting the largest display of high-quality bonsai ceramics in Europe – the EBPC Trophy Pot Display! 
 
We love celebrating and bringing more attention to the pots! Since the EBPC first started pot displays in 2015, the POT DISPLAY has become an integral part of leading bonsai exhibitions across Europe, as it has been for many years in Japan. 
 
As enthusiasts and professionals alike attach increasing recognition to the importance of quality European bonsai ceramics, the main purpose of the display is to enhance appreciation in the art of bonsai pottery and to highlight the aesthetics and functionality of high-quality bonsai pots.

The pot display will exhibit 100ft of the best in European bonsai ceramics and will be a great education for the general public and bonsai enthusiasts – in addition to being an integral part of Europe’s finest bonsai exhibition.
 
Successful entrants will enjoy viewing their work on display at Europe’s most prestigious exhibition, and additionally each pot displayed will be forever recorded with a half page entry in the celebrated Trophy annual hardback book. ​

​Please CLICK HERE to take register & part in  
​
THE TROPHY BONSAI EXHIBITION 2024 EBPC POT DISPLAY

Thank you for helping to support great European Bonsai Pottery
www.EuropeanBonsaiPotterCollective.com