2025 NBPCA Pot Acquisition Prize
Posted: August 18th, 2025, 11:08 am
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.
https://www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.a ... ition-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
12/05/2025 Competition opens
31/10/2025 Competition closes
3-9/11/2025 Selected pots on public display
07/11/2025 Winning entries announced
Please follow this link for all the details https://www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.a ... ition-2025
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.
https://www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.a ... ition-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
12/05/2025 Competition opens
31/10/2025 Competition closes
3-9/11/2025 Selected pots on public display
07/11/2025 Winning entries announced
Please follow this link for all the details https://www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.a ... ition-2025
