A Journey of Discovery
A new chapter is beginning at The Pot Maker’s Place. With my forthcoming journey to Japan, the development of my Seasons Restrained collection, the launch of this new website and the writing of my first book, several years of ideas and ambitions are coming together. At the heart of it all is a desire to explore Japanese craftsmanship and design philosophy, better understand the importance of restraint, balance and harmony, and discover how these principles might influence my own interpretation of contemporary bonsai ceramics.
A Name, A Place, A Philosophy
For many years, my work has been known as Bonsai Pots by Ian Jobling. As my ceramics have evolved, i felt it was time to create an identity that better reflects both my work and the philosophy behind it.
The inspiration for The Pot Maker’s Place comes from the Japanese tradition in which potters are often known not only by their names but also by the names of their kilns. I wanted to bring something of that tradition into my own studio in Durham. The Pot Maker’s Place represents the kiln, the place where ideas take shape and clay is transformed, while Ian Jobling Ceramics represents the craftsman behind the work.
Together, they form a new identity, inspired by Japan but firmly rooted in England. It is a name that reflects where I work, what I create and the direction in which my ceramics are developing.
More Than a Website
To accompany this new chapter and the forthcoming launch of Seasons Restrained, I wanted to create a website that reflects the same principles I am exploring in my ceramics: restraint, balance, harmony and the thoughtful use of space.
The Pot Maker’s Place is not an online shop. It is somewhere I hope people will enjoy visiting regularly, not simply to explore my ceramics, but to discover the ideas, places and experiences that influence my work. A place to follow my travels, explore Japanese design philosophy, discover books that have inspired me and learn more about the traditions and craftsmanship behind bonsai pottery.
Through the Portfolio, you can explore my ceramics, discover the Seasons Restrained collection, browse the gallery and download technical information and prices. The Places section will bring together my travels, photographs and experiences, while other articles will explore the books, ideas and philosophies that continue to shape my approach to ceramics.
Above all, I want The Pot Maker’s Place to encourage conversation. Whether you are interested in purchasing a pot, discussing a commission, inviting me to speak at your bonsai club or simply exchanging ideas about ceramics, bonsai or Japan, I would be delighted to hear from you. The Contact page provides a direct way to get in touch.
Follow My Journey Through Japan
My forthcoming journey to Japan is an important part of this new chapter. I am travelling to explore Japanese culture, traditional craftsmanship and the relationship between nature, art and design. I want to understand how generations of craftspeople have developed their appreciation of form, texture and space, and how I might bring some of that understanding back to my studio in Durham.
During my travels, The Pot Maker’s Place will become a live travel journal. I will be updating the Places section every few days with photographs and stories documenting the people I meet, the places I explore, the artefacts I discover and the experiences that shape my understanding of Japanese culture and craftsmanship.
You will be able to follow my journey as it unfolds, sharing in the discoveries, unexpected encounters and moments of inspiration along the way. From ancient temples and traditional pottery workshops to gardens, landscapes and everyday life, I hope to bring you a little closer to the Japan I experience.
I invite you to return regularly throughout my travels and follow this journey as it happens.
The Pot Maker’s Place - Ian Jobling Ceramics, Durham, England
Seasons Restrained - Inspired by Japan, Created in England
These experiences will help shape Seasons Restrained, my forthcoming collection of handcrafted bonsai ceramics, inspired by Japan and created in England.
The collection represents an exploration of simplicity, quietness and the relationship between a tree and its pot. It is about understanding when to introduce detail and, more importantly, when to leave something alone. Through careful consideration of form, proportion, colour and texture, I am seeking to create pots that complement the trees they hold without competing for attention.
My journey to Japan will provide an opportunity to observe these principles in their cultural setting, to learn from traditional craftspeople and to explore new ideas that I can interpret through my own work.
A preview of the collection will be presented at the 15th Heathrow Bonsai Show Bracknell on 4 October 2026, followed by two official launches: Bonsai Fest Newark in March 2027 and the 8th Expo Bonsai Show Crawley in April 2027.
The Pot Maker: A Journey Through Japan
There is one further part to this new chapter. I am writing my first book, The Pot Maker: A Journey Through Japan, planned for publication in 2027. The book will bring together the places I visit, the people I meet, the things I learn and the ideas that emerge along the way. It will explore not only the physical journey through Japan, but also my personal journey as a ceramicist, discovering how Japanese culture, craftsmanship and design philosophy might influence the direction of my work.
While the website will allow you to follow my travels as they happen, the book will provide an opportunity to reflect more deeply on these experiences, bringing together photography, observations and the ideas that develop throughout my journey.
At the centre of the book is my continuing search for space. Space within a design, space for a bonsai tree to express itself and space to explore new ideas without unnecessary complication.
It is a journey without a predetermined conclusion, guided by a simple philosophy that is becoming increasing important to me.
With space, we create choice.
With choice, we create freedom.
I hope you will join me as this new chapter unfolds.