Forest

Saburo Kato, Bonsai Master for the Ages

This very large forest was on display at last month’s World Bonsai Convention in Japan. It was originally created by Saburo Kato, who was one of the original old masters of Japanese bonsai. One of the things Mr Kato was known for Ezo spruce forests, so we’ll assume that this planting is an Ezo as well. The photo was borrowed from Mark Fields, one of our lucky friends who made the trip to Japan. It has been a while since we featured the bonsai of Saburo Kato, one of the most accomplished and most revered of the old Japanese bonsai … Continue reading Saburo Kato, Bonsai Master for the Ages

Help Us Celebrate World Bonsai Day (Shop at Stone Lantern!)

Brian Donnelly’s entry in the 2013 World Bonsai Friendship Federation’s photo contest. Brian lives in Canada. I know Canada is big country but the WBFF don’t say where. However, I did find this video of him teaching bonsai in French, so I’m guessing he lives somewhere in PQ. As you can see, the tree is a Bougainvillea and a very good one at that. Okay, the Shop at Stone Lantern part of the title is somewhat tongue in cheek. But only somewhat. After all, Bonsai Bark and Stone Lantern wouldn’t happen without your support. So, on behalf of our staff, … Continue reading Help Us Celebrate World Bonsai Day (Shop at Stone Lantern!)

Kato sama, Kato sensei, but never Kato san

This photo of Saburo Kato was taken by Morten Albek in June of 2005 during an interview he and two friends conducted with Mr. Kato, Japan’s most famous bonsai master of his generation. Kato sensei passed away in February 2008. I only saw Saburo Kato once. It was in 2005 at the WBC (World Bonsai Convention) in Washington DC. I was busy selling books and magazines from our booth when he walked by. He was immistakenly unmistakenly himself, very old and thin, with an air that radiated dignity. I was so taken by surprise that I blurted out “Kato san!”  … Continue reading Kato sama, Kato sensei, but never Kato san