I lifted this from Bonsai Smiths’ gallery. I like the planting and I especially like the pot. I wonder who made it (I assume one of the Smiths did the planting).
Kusamono or Shitakusa? Willi knows best
In his book Bonsai, Kusamono, Suiseki, Willi Benz says “Kusa = grass and Mono = object.” He goes on to say “If a Kusamono-Bonsai is the main object of a display, we use the term Kusamono. But if a Kusamono-Bonsai is used as an accent or complementary plant, we say it is a Shitakusa.”
This one is from one of our mystery Japanese books that found its way into our library. As you can see from the caption, it’s a…….
What about Willi’s book?
Willi Benz’ book (see above) is the best on the topic (in English, at least), and it’s still in print.
Just came across the picture of the bluettes (lifted from my site. lol). I purchased the pot from Mr. Kihachiro Kamiya’s bonsai nursery, Kihachi-En in Japan. I’m not sure of the potter since there was no marking on it and Mrs. Kamiya sold it to me after the death of her husband. I got the plant from Boon’s back yard and I planted it. I’ve has it since 2006 and after 60 days of over 100 degree weather, it’s still alive and well! Didn’t do bad after the freak cold winter we had either.