Pot Measurement

[mudlarkpottery]

I have a query regarding pot dimensions.
How are pot measurements taken? I should ask - how are pot measurements given before some smartie says "with a tape measure"
Outside dimensions versus inside dimensions can make a big difference to the planting space depending on the thickness of the clay and height of the feet. For example, height, including the feet will also give a false impression of depth compared to measuring from the base of the pot - both inside and outside (three different measurements)
If a potential customer reads "Height 8.0cm" and thinks that's ideal, he or she it going to be very disappointed after receiving the pot and finding out planting height is only 3.0cm.
I would like some opinions on this. Has anyone been caught with problem?
Penny.

[Scott Roxburgh]

Penny,
I would suggest the more measurements that are given, the better off everyone would be.

I personally have not been caught out but I do see that this could be a major issue, particularly if a pot is commissioned.

if i was to commission a pot i would state wall thickness, outside and inside dimensions, and height with/without feet.

One also has to realise that the exact dimensions may not be to the 'mm' I would assume. I do not envy potters who do commissioned pieces, I have a hard enough time making the same shape let alone taking dimensions into account...all this comes with practice I assume.

I am sure Pat would have some views???

[Jamie]

hi penny, i got caught out with a oval shallow tray, it said 4cm deep which i presumed was planting depth, but this was an outside measurement not an internal, and the pot ended up to small for the tree i bought it for, i would suggest giving inside and outside dimensions as this way there will be no confusion

[Mitchell]

I would list it as-


Pot size- (Outside overall measurement, inc feet)
Planting depth-
Wall thickness-
Feet height-

Then a internal size, if the wall thickness varies.

[kcpoole]

I woud think that only INSIDE dimensions are relevant

The other dimesions can be assumed from the style of the pot itself. I assume that the wall thickness of the pots are proportional to the size so should stay realtive.

Ken

[mudlarkpottery]

When I get a commission for a pot, I always make sure of what is required and give inside measurements for pots when I get a query. I was just asking how others see (or not) this possible problem. Also, photos in magazines and books sometimes have the measurements with them. How are they based?
Ken, not all pots have the same thickness for walls and base or size of the feet so this can be deceptive. I agree with you about inside measurements being relevant but this is not how they are actually given, hence my query.
Mitchell, a pot with a height of 10.0cm can have feet 2.0cm or 4.0cm., a base of 1.0cm or, if you're a dreadfull potter, 3.0cm. Both of these variables will give quite different inside measurements and you could end up disappointed as Jamie was. The size of the feet can be judged by looking at a photo but not the size of the base.

Penny.

[bingh]

The first thing to take into consideration is that the bonsai pot is not just a receptacle to contain the tree. The pot is part of the bonsai - like a frame for a painting. It must look right from the outside and not necessarily the inside. We are talking bonsai, not potplants.

Brian

[Jamie]

thats a good point brian, the way the pot looks with the tree is definately a big thing, which can come down to size for sure. the pot has to be able to give the tree enough room to be happy, but frame the tree nicely aswell

[bingh]

Just take my comments a bit further, any decent bonsai book will explain the proportions of pot to tree. These relative proportions refer to the outside dimensions of the pot. The pot /tree measurements are for the aesthetic aspect.

Brian

[Jamie]

heres a good article by harry harrington on how to select pots for your trees. a little bit off topic to the thread but not if you know what i mean

http://www.bonsai4me.com/AdvTech/ATChoo ... Bonsai.htm

[kitoi]

When someone wants to know the size of a particular pot they've seen photo of I give the inside dimensions 1st then exterior with out feet and finally foot height. That way there are no mis-understandings when they unbox their new pot.