In my early years, I did create some pots with more traditional shapes to understand the construction techniques; however, I now believe that if one is looking for a traditional pot, one should turn directly to those who have been making them for generations. Since bonsai tradition and culture are often perceived as rigid and restrictive, especially by Westerners, who tend to follow them slavishly while suppressing (often unconsciously) their own personal taste and ideas, pairing a non traditional pot requires considerable effort and an open mind. The observer’s eye (my own included) is so accustomed to seeing the same types of pairings that even the slightest variation can be perceived as a distraction or an act of heresy. I believe that pairing a non traditional pot with a tree requires, beyond a solid understanding of the subject, an active personal taste that is not overly bound by dogma, a sense of curiosity and boldness, and, not least, a passion that transcends external judgment or criticism.
