Crataegus bonsai containers by Michael Hagedorn

Long before his apprenticeship with Shinji Suzuki, Michael Hagedorn made bonsai pots.

Blue glazed pot

The pots were made under the name Crataegus. They are well-known for their quality build, glazes, and suitability for bonsai.

Nanban-style unglazed pot

Michael’s attention to detail is noteworthy. The tie-down holes are in useful locations and the pots drain well when placed on flat surfaces.

Trademark Crataegus squiggles

Grooves for wire and white clay dot above the Crataegus chop

His glazes tended to feature muted colors that complement trees well.

Green oval

Grey cascade

Shallow round

His pots came in different colors, styles and sizes.

Small blue round

Shallow round unglazed pot

Shallow bowl

Some of his smaller work is fantastic. A handful of you may have one of his boat (or iron) pots in the garden.

Boat pot

Iron pot

And then there’s the classic 11-sided accent pot.

Accent pot

11-sided pot

Small accent pot

Glazed accent pot

Round green accent pot

Shallow bowl

Brown glazed accent pot

And here are my three smallest Hagedorn pots in red, blue and white.

Small red, blue and white bonsai pots

There are a number of Hagedorn pots out there. If you see one, pick it up – there may not be another like it. And when you get home, catch up with Michael at crataegus.com and thank him for his contributions to bonsai and bonsai pots.

Then re-read his book, Post-Dated. It’s one of my favorites.