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Crataegus bonsai containers by Michael Hagedorn

November 22, 2016 by Jonas Dupuich

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

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Blue glazed pot

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

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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.

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Trademark Crataegus squiggles

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Grooves for wire and white clay dot above the Crataegus chop

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

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Green oval

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Grey cascade

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Shallow round

His pots came in different colors, styles and sizes.

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Small blue round

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Shallow round unglazed pot

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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.

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Boat pot

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Iron pot

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

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Accent pot

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11-sided pot

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Small accent pot

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Glazed accent pot

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Round green accent pot

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Shallow bowl

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Brown glazed accent pot

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

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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.

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Filed Under: Display Tagged With: Michael Hagedorn, Pots

Previous Post: « Stoneware bonsai containers by Sara Rayner
Next Post: Roundup of American bonsai potters »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Zack Clayton says

    November 22, 2016 at 8:22 am

    I am really enjoying this series on bonsai pots and potters. Thank you.

  2. John Jaramillo says

    November 22, 2016 at 8:57 am

    I don’t think I’ve seen another potter who builds containers with the detail and workmanship as Michael. I’ve got to find an Iron/Boat pot…!

  3. Jose O Rivera says

    December 1, 2016 at 8:30 pm

    I have many small pots of Crataegus marked year 1998. Never used

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