Power, Movement & Texture

Power, movement and texture. This astounding Itoigawa shimpaku juniper (Juniperus chinensis Itoigawa) received an Honorable Mention at the 2015 Crespi Bonsai Cup which was held at the Crespi Bonsai Museum. It belongs to Gino Costa. The photos shown here are from the 2015 Crespi Bonsai Cup. I cropped them all to bring the trees closer and to eliminate background noise. You can see the uncropped photos of all 65 entries here. Here’s the First Prize tree and I can’t say I disagree. It’s a Mugo pine that belongs to Paolo Riboli. I like the natural grey of the deadwood, … Continue reading Power, Movement & Texture

Bunjin Lives (Lungo vive il bunjin!)

I like the movement on this tree, with its sudden changes of direction. I also like the way the moss and lichen are growing up the base of the trunk. I wonder if it’s a Scot’s pine. Robert at the Crespi Cup The photos here were culled out from a large selection that was taken by our old friend Robert Steven at the 2012 Crespi Cup in Italy. I’ve cropped and otherwise fiddled a bit, but mostly they are pretty close to how I found them. Some don’t have any identification and some do. Speaking of Robert, it has been … Continue reading Bunjin Lives (Lungo vive il bunjin!)

A Quick Potpourri: Gede, Crespi, Fuku, Carlos & Kyoto

This spectacular Pemphis acidula was collected and styled by Gede Merta. You can usually spot Gede’s bonsai immediately; there’s something about the convoluted trunks and branches and the way he carves deadwood. This photo was recently posted on his facebook page. Better hurry if you want to make this year’s Crespi Cup. Robert Steven (and others) will be there, and, it’s in Italy (great food, exciting bonsai and other good things await you in Italy). September 14th to the 23rd. A theory of pruning by Fuku Bonsai. Two of eight illustrations that show how to create different bonsai … Continue reading A Quick Potpourri: Gede, Crespi, Fuku, Carlos & Kyoto