Pot shapes, seen by a text from 1904
The roots play a fundamental role in the life of a tree, which is why repotting is an important point for cultivating trees. The roots need to be developed before a tree is styled. A pot that fits a tree also determines the development of the roots. This article shows the relationship between the shape of a tree and the shape of a pot, which is basic for repotting a tree.
The following text and illustrations from 1904 may provide some orientation in this process. The text distinguishes seven different shapes of pots. A pot's shape can be a good or bad fit for a certain tree shape. Since there are so many possible shapes, some abstraction is needed and that's how we arrive at seven basic shapes. Of course one cannot judge the harmony of pot and plant solely on the basis of these drawings, but each of these basic shapes represents a certain growth habit. Groups of trees, such as in the forest style, can also be matched to this typology.
The 7 types of pots are: