Pots
Are your pots frost-resistant?
My pots are all made of stoneware or porcelain and are fired at temperatures ranging from 1220 to 1280 degrees Celsius (2228 to 2336F), with a final porosity percentage ranging from 0.5% to a maximum of 4%. Some of them have been outdoors in Canada or Sweden for a few years now without any problems, so I think, unless you live at the poles, they should be fine.
How many pots do you produce per year?
Very few. Since it's not my main job, but rather a personal passion, I have no need or desire to develop Japanese/Chinese factory-like production rates. So, to give you a rough estimate, I produce a maximum of 25-30 pots per year.
In 8 years, I've produced about 230-250 pots in total, including the smaller and simpler ones.
Are your pots free from defects?
Perfection doesn't exist: one can only strive for it, trying to get as close as possible. My pots are made exclusively by hand, without molds or plaster casts, as is commonly done in Japan and China, to ensure uniformity and higher production rates. However, what may be considered an imperfection by one observer, may equally be considered a character accent by another. I always tend to discard pots that do not meet the quality standards that I consider suitable for their use or exposition. Nonetheless any anomalies or peculiarities of each of them are clearly shown and highlighted in the descriptions and photos.
Would you be willing to make a commissioned pot?
I generally don't accept commissions, except in very rare cases where the idea/request inspires me to consider it. I don't make pots identical to others I've already made, and I will never make pots with designs or shapes by other potters.
Various
Could I come visit your studio?
I'm sorry, but that's not possible. My studio is tiny (it can't even be called that, being an 8-square-meter attic) and I can barely fit in alone. However, if you happen to be passing through Rome and want one of my pots, or want to meet the ceramist behind the pot you already own, we could certainly meet for coffee and a chat.
Many of your pots are difficult to match with a plant. Do you also make traditional pots?
In the early years, I also made some pots with more traditional shapes to understand their construction techniques, but today I believe that anyone looking for a traditional pot should turn directly to those who have been making them for generations. Since bonsai tradition and culture are very rigid and restrictive, especially for a Westerner who tends to follow them often slavishly, repressing their own thoughts and personal taste, pairing a non-traditional pot requires considerable commitment and an open mind. The eye of the observer (including mine) is so accustomed to always seeing the same type of pairing that even the slightest variation can be perceived as heresy. I believe that to pair a non-traditional pot with a plant, it is first and foremost necessary to have a personal taste that is not uniform and too constrained by dogma, a certain boldness, and a passion that transcends external judgment.
Would the pots from your private collection be available for a scandalous proposal?
Generally not, but you can still try asking.
Do you have
other questions?
For any other questions, specific requests for information regarding my work, or this site, you can contact me by clicking the button below. I'll try to reply to you as soon as possible.
(For further informations about a specific pot, please use the INQUIRY button on each item's page).
Something more about me
and my work?
If you're curious about who I am and how this all started, you can learn more by clicking below.




