Earthwares – the bonsai pots of Vicki Chamberlain

I met Vicki Chamberlain at last year’s Artisans Cup in Portland. We talked about all things bonsai for some time and then, just before heading off, Vicki mentioned that she made bonsai containers. I was curious.

Green oval

Over the following year, I started seeing Vicki’s work – Earthwares – online and at a few Northern California bonsai events. I liked what I saw, and wanted to see more.

Accent containers

Finally, at last month’s Pacific Northwest Bonsai Clubs Association convention in Olympia, I was treated to a great selection of Vicki’s work at the convention’s vendor area.

Blue round pot

I couldn’t resist. I found Vicki’s pots to be quite usable for bonsai and picked up a number of them.

Blue pot

Blue pot from underneath showing VC chop

Vicki’s pots proved popular at the event. I’m really looking forward to seeing them in upcoming shows with beautiful trees inside.

Brown round pot – good for a tall, slender trunk with interesting movement

Light blue oval – the pot’s depth makes it appropriate for deciduous material with a substantial trunk

Creme-colored oval – the curved sides are good for a trunk with some curves in it

Blue round pot – good for semi-cascade bonsai

Vicki’s collection included one of the best selections of accent pots and pots for kusamono that I’ve seen in the U.S. Young Choe has used Vicki’s pots in her workshops – the pots are a great fit for Young’s work.

Round kusamono pot

Rectangular kusamono pot

Now that I have such fun containers to play with, I’m really looking forward to making some kusamono this winter.

Three-sided kusamono tray

Four-sided kusamono tray

Rectangular kusamono trays

Vicki’s work is available directly from Earthwares, from online vendor Kusamono Gardens, and from local vendors Bonsai Northwest in Washington, Garland Nursery in Oregon, and Mendocino Coast Bonsai in California.

Accent container