In Search of the Perfect Nebari #7: Root Grafting

Though this is not the right the time of year for root grafting for most of us, here’s a simple technique to file away for when early spring rolls around. This illustration is from Bonsai Today 45. Previous posts on nebari are: An Ingenious Technique parts one and two and In Search of the Perfect Nebari, parts two, three, four and five, and for some inexplicable reasons two part sixes (6-1 and 6-2). All this means that this is actually our 9th post on the topic.

Artistic Foundations of Bonsai Design: WebBook by Andy Rutledge

This distinctive Japanese red pine appears in Andy Rutledge’s web book ‘Artistic Foundations of Bonsai Design.’ The original image (left) came from a back issue of Bonsai Today magazine. The black lines on the right hand image were drawn by Andy to illustrate how “the smooth but erratic curves of the trunk are carried over into the branching.” Take a look – it’s worth it Artistic Foundations of Bonsai Design provides a wealth of material for anyone who wants to take their bonsai to the next level. Andy Rutledge approaches bonsai with respect for the depth and breath of the … Continue reading Artistic Foundations of Bonsai Design: WebBook by Andy Rutledge

Introducing the Ichiban by Marco & Masakuni

The Ichiban. Designed by Marco Invernizzi and built by Masakuni. As you may know, Marco is a gifted Western bonsai artist, and Masakuni is the benchmark bonsai tool company. Together they have created a revolutionary new tool for the serious bonsai artist (and the rest of us who practice the art of bonsai). The Ichiban comes in a handsome wood gift box (see below). If you want one (no discounts though) In agreement with Marco, Stone Lantern is acting as the Ichiban’s U.S. (and beyond) distributor. The one caveat is that this tool cannot be discounted. Your price is $350.00 … Continue reading Introducing the Ichiban by Marco & Masakuni

The Magician Turns Three into Seven

This rafia wrapped Japanese white pine is the result of an unconventional (amazing might also apply) transformation by Masahiko Kimura. The original article appears in Bonsai Today issue 43. This photo also appears in our Pine book. Approx. height 37″ (94cm). Up to his old tricks The range and dept of Masahiko Kimura’s mastery knows almost no bounds; his highly imaginative and unconventional artistry have changed the way the world bonsai community views and practices bonsai (stay posted for more on the effects of Kimura’s work). The tree featured in this post is yet another example of Kimura’s genius. You … Continue reading The Magician Turns Three into Seven

Three New Books (Just in Time)

Some of you still read books. We know because we sell them. If you fall into this illustrious (if somewhat aging) group, good times await you. Take a look. Pocket Guide to Bamboos by Ted Jordan Meredith Really nothing about bonsai here, but our guess is some bonsai enthusiast somewhere also appreciates bamboo. And there’s nothing that says you can’t grow bamboo bonsai. The Japanese Art of Stone Appreciation by Yoshimura and Covello A classic now back in print after a very long hiatus. Yugi Yoshimura was a great Japanese American bonsai pioneer. Though the thrust of the book is … Continue reading Three New Books (Just in Time)

Kakiemon’s Famous Old Bonsai Pot

This exquisitely designed and rendered porcelain bonsai pot is by one of the Kakiemon line of potters. The article in Bonsai Today 44 doesn’t say which Kakiemon made it, but given the fame of the pot and the way it’s discussed in the article, you might assume it’s by the first Sakaida Kakiemon (17th century). It’s impossible to ascertain the size of the pot, as the dimensions given in the original article are almost certainly incorrect (the height is listed at 2.8″ – 7.2cm). Starting at the top I’ve spent the last two hours looking for good information and graphics … Continue reading Kakiemon’s Famous Old Bonsai Pot

The Manzanita Mystery

This Manzanita is growing on a granite ledge on a rise just before you drop down into Yosemite valley. The others shown below are from the same general area. All the photos were taken by Amy Palmer, during a Sierra hiking and tree identification trip that Amy and I just returned from. Pervasive, beautiful, and seemingly perfect for bonsai Whenever I go into the California Coast range or the Sierras, I’m struck by the Manzanitas. Not only are they eye catching in ways few plants are (the photos speak for themselves) but many appear to be near perfect for bonsai … Continue reading The Manzanita Mystery

Calendars: Avoid Confusion in 2010

Here’s our 2010 bonsai calendar. Below is our Japanese garden calendar. You can find them at Stone Lantern. Enjoy world class bonsai while you keep track of the date Some of your have been getting your calendars from us for at least ten years, maybe longer. Might as well keep the tradition going; or start a new one. With our bonsai calendar, you’ll stay inspired and you won’t suffer the horrible confusion of not knowing what year it is, let alone what month and day. Ditto world class Japanese gardens

$100 Contest: Seven Down, Three to Go

The heavy trunk and flowers distinguish this pomegranate that was submitted by Jerry Norbury, though I think a shallower pot (preferably glazed) and a little thinning might improve it some. Let’s get this over with Three more entries and we can award one of you a $100 gift certificate to Stone Lantern. What are you waiting for? Details here.

Kennst Du Bonsai Art?

This Korean mountain cherry (Prunus jamasakura) is from Bonsai Art’s website. The delicacy and beauty of the flowers contrasted with the power of the gnarly old trunk are typical of what you find on Bonsai Art’s website and especially in their magazine (I’ve long thought that it’s the benchmark bonsai magazine when it comes to expressing the pure beauty of bonsai). Too bad it’s only in German Still, well thought out design, high quality production and great bonsai work in any language.