Jonathan Cross Ceramics

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Sculptor and ceramic artist Jonathan Cross creates functional sculpture for bonsai; bold forms, rugged textures, and surfaces informed by the sun-cooked geology of Joshua Tree. Fired over multiple days and exposed to vapor, ash, and heat, these vessels balance art and horticulture: built to anchor living trees, finished with desert character. Explore the collection released in collaboration with Bonsai Mirai and the design philosophy championed by Ryan Neil.

Want to learn more about his process? Check out our documentary Functional Sculpture on YouTube and our blog Force of Form.

Gas-Fired: clean heat, crisp silhouette

Gas firing highlights Cross’s geometry and the natural tones embedded in the clay. Stable atmospheres sharpen edges and deepen shadow play across planes, delivering containers that frame powerful trunks without visual noise.

Soda-Fired: vapor-washed depth and tone

Soda firing floods the kiln with sodium vapor, softening edges and laying a mineral sheen over texture. Expect shifting hues, orange-peel micro-texture, and nuanced transitions unique to each firing cycle—a living surface that evolves with light.

Wood-Fired: ash, flame, and desert patina

Wood firing records the path of flame. Ash deposits, flashing, and heat mapping create rich, organic color. An unmistakable kiln history that pairs beautifully with rugged bark and deadwood.

Soda + Wood Hybrid: the best of vapor and ash

Cross’s hybrid approach marries soda’s vapor glaze with the drama of wood ash. Multi-day firings in desert heat yield complex surfaces. Lustered highlights, vitrified ash, and layered color that read differently at every angle and distance.

Why collectors choose Jonathan Cross

Desert-driven design - forms and palettes drawn from the geology around Joshua Tree
Functional sculpture - drainage, tie-downs, and balanced weight for horticultural performance
Kiln-born uniqueness - gas, soda, wood, and hybrid firings. Each piece is singular
Museum-grade durability - high-fire stoneware for long-term use

Fit & styling guidance

Conifers & rugged compositions: Wood-Fired or Hybrid to echo bark, deadwood, and arid landscapes.
Deciduous & flowering: Soda-Fired for nuanced tone that supports seasonal change.
Powerful trunks & slabs: Gas-Fired for crisp silhouette and contrast.
Proportion tips: match pot length to ~⅔–¾ of the tree’s height (or canopy width), and favor lower profiles for powerful trunks; deeper ovals/rectangles for moisture-loving species.

Care & longevity

Rinse with water only; avoid abrasives to preserve ash, flashing, and soda sheen. Elevate in freeze/thaw conditions and ensure free drainage. Expect natural variation—color shifts under different light are part of the work.

Availability

Each Jonathan Cross vessel is one-of-one and may sell quickly at launch. If a piece is gone, join restock alerts or explore related forms across firing types.

FAQ

Are these pots functional for daily bonsai use?
Yes. They include proper drainage and are engineered for wiring and stability.

Will the surface look exactly like the photos?
Surfaces vary under different light;
and angle; vapor, ash, and flame produce one-off results.

Can a sold-out piece be remade?
No, each firing is unique. Join our community email newsletter for future releases and similar forms.

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