1. Are all your bonsai pots handmade?

Yes. Every bonsai pot is entirely handmade from start to finish. We do not use production moulds, which means each pot has its own unique character. Subtle variations in shape, colour and texture are part of the craftsmanship and make every piece one of a kind.

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2. Is every pot unique?

Yes. No two pots are ever exactly alike. Even when we create several pots in the same style, each one remains a unique work of ceramic art, with its own individual character.

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3. Do you make custom bonsai pots?

Absolutely. We regularly create custom-made bonsai pots designed specifically for an individual tree. When designing a pot, we carefully consider factors such as:

• Dimensions

• Tree style

• Masculine or feminine character

• Glaze

• Colour

• Overall appearance

If desired, we can also prepare a design sketch before production begins, allowing you to review the concept before the pot is made.

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4. How do I choose the right bonsai pot?

Choosing the right bonsai pot depends on several factors, including:

• The size of the tree

• The tree species

• The style and shape of the bonsai

• Its masculine or feminine character

• The colours of the trunk, bark, foliage and any flowers or fruit

• The overall atmosphere you want the composition to convey

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What sets Made Bonsai Pots apart is that we do much more than simply sell bonsai pots—we work with you to find

the perfect match for your tree.

Together, we look for a pot that enhances the beauty of your bonsai while creating harmony between tree and container. The goal is a composition in which both complement and strengthen one another.

You are welcome to send us photographs of your bonsai for complimentary advice. If you live nearby, you are also welcome to make an appointment and bring your tree to our studio. This allows us to compare different pots directly with your bonsai and evaluate together which combination of shape, colour, proportions and overall appearance

works best. By taking this personal approach, we can help you make a well-considered choice that perfectly complements your bonsai.

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5. Are your bonsai pots frost-resistant?

Yes. Our bonsai pots are fired at high temperatures and made from high-quality stoneware clay, making them frost-resistant under normal outdoor conditions.

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6. What type of clay do you use?

We work exclusively with high-quality stoneware clay. Depending on the design, we carefully select the clay body that best suits the intended appearance and function of the bonsai pot.

The composition and natural colour of the clay have a significant influence on the final glaze result. The same glaze can produce surprisingly different effects on different clay bodies—appearing warmer or cooler in tone, more transparent or richer and deeper in colour. For this reason, we carefully match each clay and glaze combination so they complement one another and achieve the desired aesthetic.

This is an essential part of the ceramic process and one of the reasons why every handmade bonsai pot has its own unique character.

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7. What glazes do you use?

We use only high-quality glazes that have been specially developed for stoneware ceramics.

One of the unique qualities of ceramic glazes is that the final result can never be completely predictable.

During firing, the glaze, clay, temperature and kiln atmosphere all interact with one another. As a result, subtle variations in colour, depth, sheen, crystal formation and tonal nuances naturally occur.

Even when the same glaze is used again, no two pots will ever be exactly alike. This natural variation is part of the beauty of handmade ceramics and gives every bonsai pot its own distinctive character.

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8. Can I choose my own glaze or colour?

Yes. For custom commissions, we work closely with you to select the glaze, colour and overall appearance that best complement your bonsai. Using glaze samples and previous work as a guide, we discuss the desired direction and find the combination that will present your tree at its very best.

Please keep in mind that ceramic glazes are never entirely predictable. The final appearance is influenced by factors such as the clay body, the glaze composition and the firing process. For that reason, photographs and sample pots should always be regarded as an indication rather than an exact reference. This natural variation is precisely what makes every handmade bonsai pot unique and gives ceramic art its distinctive charm.

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9. How long does a custom order take?

Because every bonsai pot is individually handmade, the production process requires time and care. The exact delivery

time depends on the size and complexity of the commission, our production schedule and the number of orders currently in progress. We also combine multiple commissions to make the most efficient use of our kiln.

Throughout the process, we never rush the work. Drying, glazing and firing all require patience and precision.

As ceramics is a natural material, unexpected issues such as cracking or warping can occasionally occur during drying or firing. If this happens, a pot may need to be remade from the beginning.

For this reason, we recommend placing custom orders at least six months to one year in advance, especially if the pot is intended for an exhibition, bonsai show or another important event.

This allows us to deliver the highest possible quality without compromising the traditional craftsmanship behind every handmade bonsai pot.

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10. Do you ship internationally?

Yes. We ship our bonsai pots to customers in almost every country worldwide.

Shipping costs are calculated automatically during checkout. For certain destinations, such as the United States, we provide a shipping quotation in advance. If your country is not listed, please contact us at design@manonjamin.nl, and we will gladly add the necessary shipping options.

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11. How are the bonsai pots packaged?

Ceramics deserve the utmost care. Every bonsai pot is carefully packed using high-quality protective materials to minimise the risk of damage during transport.

Although we take every precaution to ensure your pot arrives safely, ceramics remain fragile by nature. We therefore package every order with great attention and care to give it the best possible protection during shipping.

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12. What if my bonsai pot arrives damaged?

If your bonsai pot arrives damaged, please contact us as soon as possible and send us clear photographs of both the packaging and the damaged pot.

We will review the situation with you and work together to find an appropriate solution as quickly as possible.

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13. Can I return a bonsai pot?

Because every bonsai pot is a unique handmade piece, we cannot accept returns based on personal preference or an incorrect choice of size.

We therefore recommend checking the dimensions carefully before placing your order. If you are unsure which pot is most suitable for your bonsai, we are always happy to provide advice before you purchase.

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14. Do you have a physical shop?

No. We do not have a physical shop. We work from our home studio, and our collection is primarily offered online.

For custom commissions, however, you are very welcome to visit us by appointment, where possible. You are welcome to bring your bonsai so we can compare different pots directly with your tree and determine together which shape, colour, glaze and proportions create the most harmonious composition.

This personal approach is one of the strengths of Made Bonsai Pots and helps ensure a carefully considered choice.

If you live too far away to visit, you can simply send us several clear photographs of your bonsai by email, preferably taken from different angles and including the dimensions of both the tree and its current pot.

Based on these photographs, we will gladly advise you on the most suitable bonsai pot in terms of size, shape, colour and overall appearance.

To make an appointment or send us photographs, please feel free to contact us at design@manonjamin.nl.

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15. Do you make only bonsai pots?

No. In addition to handmade bonsai pots, we also create a range of other ceramic pieces, including:

• Accent pots

• Ikebana containers

• Kusamono pots

• Larger ceramic bowls​

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16. Are your bonsai pots suitable for exhibition-quality bonsai?

Yes. Our handmade bonsai pots are designed with exhibition-quality bonsai in mind and for enthusiasts who value craftsmanship, character and perfect harmony between tree and pot.

Every design is carefully considered, with close attention paid to proportions, shape, colour, glaze and overall appearance. The purpose of the pot is not to compete with the tree, but to enhance its beauty and support its presentation.

Our goal is to create a composition in which tree and pot complement one another and become a harmonious whole exactly as intended in a refined bonsai exhibition display.

While our pots are equally suitable for everyday use, each one is created with the ambition of presenting a bonsai at

its very best.

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17. How do I care for a bonsai pot?

A bonsai pot requires very little maintenance. Simply clean it with water and a soft brush. Avoid using aggressive cleaning products, as these may damage the surface.

If desired, unglazed bonsai pots can occasionally be treated with a suitable mineral oil or a specialised ceramic or stone care oil. This deepens the natural colour of the clay and gives the pot a richer, warmer appearance. This treatment is purely aesthetic and is not necessary for the durability of the pot.

Over time, a bonsai pot will naturally develop a beautiful patina through exposure to the elements, mineral deposits, algae and regular use. Many bonsai enthusiasts appreciate this subtle ageing process, as it adds character to the pot and complements the mature appearance of the bonsai itself.

 

18. Why are handmade bonsai pots more expensive?

Creating a handmade bonsai pot requires many hours of designing, forming, refining and finishing. Every pot is carefully inspected throughout the process and fired at high temperatures to ensure lasting quality and durability.

When you purchase one of our pots, you are not simply buying a functional container—you are investing in a unique piece of ceramic craftsmanship, individually made with patience, skill and attention to detail.

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19. What is the largest bonsai pot you can make?

Because all of our bonsai pots are handmade and fired in our own kiln, the maximum size is partly determined by the kiln's dimensions.

• Rectangular, square and round pots can be made up to approximately 40–42 cm (16–16.5 inches).

• Oval pots can be placed diagonally in the kiln, allowing us to create pots up to approximately 44 cm (17.3 inches) in length.

If you have a specific project in mind, please feel free to contact us. We are always happy to discuss the possibilities and advise you on a design that perfectly complements your bonsai and showcases it at its very best.

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20. Are your bonsai pots signed?

Yes. Every handmade bonsai pot is signed on the underside with two marks. The first mark is the Made Bonsai Pots logo, representing the quality and authenticity of our studio. The second mark is the personal monogram of the potter. Most of our bonsai pots are handcrafted by Manon Jaminand are signed with the monogram MJ. Some pots are handcrafted by Edwin Koppers and bear the monogram EK.

These signatures serve as the maker's personal mark and guarantee the origin and authenticity of each bonsai pot. They ensure that you are purchasing an original, handmade ceramic artwork created in the Made Bonsai Pots studio.