A Sculptural Elm: Definitely Not Japanese

I’m guessing this impressive tree is a Chinese elm. Whatever it is, it displays much of what you’d look for in a bonsai: power, refinement, balance, excellent ramification, attractive pot, even some imperfection. I’d also venture that it’s definitely not Japanese. It’s from Rawe Laranta Ramook Bonsai. It’s Penjing, but is it Chinese? A couple posts ago Robert Steven offered us a lesson in the five schools of Chinese Penjing. I’m pretty sure Robert would include this tree in that vast and varied grouping, even if it’s not from China (I don’t know where it’s from). Though Robert (and others) … Continue reading A Sculptural Elm: Definitely Not Japanese

No Borders In Bonsai

Goshin by John Yoshio Naka. This famous tree resides at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum in Washington DC. Photos will never do it justice. It is huge (about 1 meter tall – just over 3 feet) and is so dramatic in person that it almost seems to vibrate with power. This photo, by Peter Bloomer is originally from Timeless Trees by Peter and Mary Bloomer. It also appears on the cover of Bonsai Today issue 93, an issue that features a tribute to the life and works of John Naka. No borders in bonsai Helen Searle recently sent me … Continue reading No Borders In Bonsai

Over Wintering Your Bonsai – Lecture & Tour

There is going to be a Bonsai overwintering lecture and tour on November 14 at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum. If you haven’t been there, it’s a rare treat. Mark you calendar. John Naka’s famous Goshin and numerous other world class trees reside at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum.

Bonsai Today Sale: 40% to 50% off!

John Naka‘s famous ‘Goshin’ graces the cover of Bonsai Today issue 93. Inside there’s a tribute to Mr. Naka and a range of how-to articles and other useful and inspiring photos and information. This and a host of other back issues can now be yours for forty to fifty percent off. I love summer… …my bonsai and garden are in ecstatic celebration and there’s cold drinks on the deck in the late afternoon (just before the mosquitoes take over). I hate summer… …it’s too short, my lawn needs mowing every fifteen minutes, and just when you’re relieved that black flies … Continue reading Bonsai Today Sale: 40% to 50% off!

The Great Debate: Naturalistic vs Abstract?

This Rough bark shore juniper is by Boon Manakitipivart. It originally appeared in Bonsai Today issue 108. Though it certainly has a rugged, natural feel, does it also have some features (aside from the pot) that are more characteristic of bonsai than of trees growing in the wild? Is there a clear distinction? Back two or three years ago, I was hearing and reading a lot about naturalistic bonsai versus more abstract bonsai. Though I’m not sure that the difference is always that obvious, or that there are only two categories when it come to this discussion, I do get … Continue reading The Great Debate: Naturalistic vs Abstract?

Classic Penjing/Bonsai Book Back in Print

The Chinese Art of Bonsai & Potted Landscapes Y. C. Shen, Beulah Kwok Sung, C. B. Sung Now, this rare and wonderful book is back in print. John Naka was a big fan and said that “this unique book should be on the reading list of all bonsai connoisseurs.” Dr. Wu Yee Sun, famous philanthropist and avid bonsai and penjing supporter said that it “is a masterpiece of great importance in the art of bonsai and will… without a doubt… be valued for generations to come.”

Ben Oki: An Old Master at Play

I could watch and listen to Ben Oki for a long time. In this one, you get to watch the old master wiring, and, as a bonus, hear a story about John Naka; another old master. FYI: John Naka was considered the dean of American bonsai. He died in 2004. Bonsai Today issue 93 features a special on Mr. Naka and you can enjoy his sketches in The John Naka Sketch Book (The National Bonsai Foundation). Two other noteworthy Naka books are: Bonsai Techniques one and two (Bonsai Institute of California).

A trip well worth the trouble

This majestic old pomegranate (Punica granatum) was styled by John Naka. After John died, his wife Alice donated it to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum in Washington DC. You can view it and a host of other masterpieces first hand if you’re up for the journey; a trip well worth the trouble, especially if you’ve never experienced the power of a large world class bonsai first hand. No matter how good the photographer, or how expensive the camera, a photo will never capture the full dramatic force of a living bonsai. I’ve been a fan of the National Bonsai … Continue reading A trip well worth the trouble

Drawing Bonsai

Most of this post originally appeared in our email newsletter, back in the pre-Bonsai Bark days. Have you thought about drawing what a pre-bonsai or bonsai might look like after it’s styled or restyled? It’s not all the difficult (even if you think you can’t draw) and surprisingly rewarding. First, take a long look at the material at hand and then imagine what it could look like after you style it. Then sketch from what you have in front of you and from what your imagination has to offer. If your imagination doesn’t have much to offer, you can practice … Continue reading Drawing Bonsai

Take a Tour of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum

This famous old Japanese white pine is one of the most powerful bonsai anywhere. You can find it at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. As always. the photo, though enticing, doesn’t begin to do justice. Next time you are in Washington DC, don’t miss the opportunity to visit our wonderful National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. Meanwhile, you can enjoy some of the bonsai, suiseki and other national treasures right where you are just by clicking bonsai tour.