Bonsai Pot Acquisition

Bonsai Pot Acquisition_SL-01

The Bonsai Pot Acquisition Prize 2024 is designed to encourage the appreciation of the art of bonsai pottery and to highlight the beauty and functionality of bonsai pots. 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 Callistemon viminalis Bottlebrush 'Captain Cook' (pictured above). The Bottlebrush was originally purchased in 1982 as a garden plant and was first styled as a bonsai in 1986. It has survived three house moves, and therefore three very different micro-climates. It underwent a number of styling changes until the artist decided to give it the more natural Australian native look seen today. This is a superb example of an Australian native bonsai.

Bonsai Pot Display

Selected pots entered will be on display at the Collection from Thursday 11 April to Sunday 14 April 2024. Visit between 9am - 4pm, to see the creative interpretation by the ceramic artists.

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 22 March 2024
• 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.

Prizes

First Prize: $1000

Second Prize: $600

Third Prize: $400

Key Dates

Thanks to the Bonsai Trust Fund for sponsoring this competition.