Bonsai Pot Acquisition Prize 2025

The Bonsai Pot Acquisition Prize 2025 is a competition created to encourage the appreciation of the art of bonsai pottery and to highlight the beauty, balance and functionality of bonsai pots.

Similar to paintings, the pot ‘frames’ the tree; it should complement and enhance its appearance and create a sense of harmony, but never detract attention from the tree itself. The beauty and style of the pot adds to the aesthetics, the emotions evoked and to the way a bonsai is styled and maintained.

The Challenge

The challenge is to create a bonsai pot for a Bottlebush Tree, Callistemon viminalis (pictured above). This Bottlebrush tree (artist Derek Oakley) dates back to 1977 and has been in training for the last 25 years.

Artists are encouraged to create a bonsai pot as close as possible to the proposed internal dimensions:

12cm height
55cm width
45cm depth

Bonsai Pot Display

Selected pots entered will be on display at the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection from 3 - 9 November 2025. Visitors are welcome between 9am - 4pm daily to see the creative interpretation by the ceramic artists.

Prizes

First Prize: $1000
Second Prize: $600
Third Prize: $400

Thanks to the Bonsai Trust Fund for sponsoring this competition.

How to Enter

• Create a bonsai pot and write a 100 word description
• Pots and entry form must be received by the National Arboretum Canberra by 31 October 2025.
• If pots are couriered, please address to:
  • Attn: Leigh Taafe
    National Bonsai & Penjing Collection of Australia
    National Arboretum Canberra
    Forest Drive 
    Molonglo Valley ACT 2611
• Late entries will not be accepted.

Key Dates